Man is a rather fragile creature. But nature, which cares about the survival of the species, has presented people with a very significant gift - immunity. It is thanks to him that our body exists, evolves and prevents aggressive infectious agents.
Inflammation - harm or protection of the body?
The Latin word inflammo means "to burn", and its other interpretation is inflammation. The stages of inflammation, its types and forms will be described in detail in this material. First you need to understand the essence of the process and find out its significance for the human body.
Such changes under the influence of certain circumstances (diseases, injuries, the presence of parasites, allergic reactions) did not appear by chance - this is an immune reaction to the invasion of infection, destruction of cellular structures or allergens. This process is aimed at localizing the damaged area, isolating it from he althy tissues. Such actions of the body are due to the need to fix the pathogenic factor in the area of inflammation, utilize the products of its decay and heal the site of invasion. ATthe result is the mandatory development of immunity.
It is important to consider that inflammation is not synonymous with infection. This is a typical immune response to any pathogenic penetration into the body, while an infection is an aggressive agent that provokes such a reaction.
Historical background
Inflammation, the stages of inflammation, its characteristic features were known at the beginning of our era. In particular, the ancient scientists Claudius Galen and the Roman writer Cornelius Celsus were interested in these issues.
It was the latter who singled out the four main components of any inflammation:
- erythema (appearance of redness);
- edema;
- hyperthermia;
- pain.
There was also a fifth sign - a violation of the functions of the affected area or organ (the last point was supplemented much later by Galen).
Subsequently, many scientists de alt with this topic. The world-famous biologist Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov also studied it. He considered the inflammatory reaction to be healing, a true natural gift, but still in need of further evolutionary development, since not all such processes lead to the recovery of the body. Not to mention the fact that especially severe inflammations end in fatal cases.
Terminology
If this process occurs in the body (in this case, the stages of development of inflammation are not taken into account), then the characteristic ending “-it” is necessarily added to the name of the disease, as a rule, in Latin. For example, inflammation of the larynx, kidneys,heart, peritoneum, pancreas are called, respectively, laryngitis, nephritis, myocarditis, peritonitis, pancreatitis. If a disease of the adjacent connective or adipose tissue joins the general inflammation of the organ, then the prefix “para-” is added to the name: paranephritis, parametritis (inflammation of the uterus), etc. But in this matter, as in any rule, there is exceptions, such as specific definitions such as angina or pneumonia.
Why does inflammation occur?
So what are the main causes of inflammation? There are three types of them:
- Physical. This means that the inflammatory process in the body is triggered by various mechanical injuries, burns, including radiation, frostbite, the presence of foreign bodies, and exposure to electric current.
- Biological. In this case, we mean the pathological process caused by microbes, parasitic agents and viruses. This category of signs also includes pathogens of certain diseases, such as Koch's bacillus (tuberculosis), pale spirochete (syphilis), Mycobacterium leprosy (leprosy) and others.
- Chemical. This group of causes is based on the effects of various chemical substances (drugs, poisons, s alts, alkalis, acids, as well as toxins formed in the body itself).
Also, serious psychological trauma, constant stress and alcohol abuse can become causes of inflammation.
Such processes are either acute or takechronic form. When the reaction to the stimulus occurs immediately, that is, leukocytes and plasma begin to move and behave very actively in the affected areas, this characterizes precisely the acute process. If changes at the cellular level occur gradually, then the inflammation is called chronic. More about types and forms will be discussed later.
Symptomatics
All stages of inflammation are characterized by similar main symptoms. They are divided into local and general. The first group of signs includes:
- Hyperemia (redness) of the affected area. This sign occurs due to the intense blood flow.
- Hyperthermia is an increase in local temperature as the metabolism speeds up.
- Puffiness if tissue is impregnated with exudate.
- Acidosis is an increase in acidity. This sign is often due to fever.
- Hyperalgia (intense pain). Appears in response to effects on receptors and nerve endings.
- Loss or disruption of the affected area. Occurs as a result of all the above symptoms.
By the way, inflammation of the internal organs is not always manifested by painful sensations, but if the process proceeds on the surface, then almost all of the above symptoms are present.
General signs can be detected using laboratory tests, in particular, a detailed blood test. For example, characteristic changes in the blood formula in its leukocyte part, as well asa significant increase in ESR. Thus, having carefully studied this complex of symptoms, inflammation can be diagnosed. The stages of inflammation – is the next question that interests people studying this topic.
Stages and types of development of the inflammatory process
Like any process, this one also develops in stages. There are 3 stages of inflammation. They can be developed to varying degrees, but are always present. If you describe them in simple words, then this is damage, exudate release and tissue growth. The first stage of inflammation is alteration. This is followed by exudation, and after it - proliferation.
Now it is worth discussing in more detail the types of inflammation that are directly related to the stages. As already mentioned, when the process develops rapidly, it is called acute. Usually, in order to qualify it as such, in addition to the time factor, such stages of acute inflammation as exudation and proliferation must prevail.
There is one more division: banal (normal) and immune inflammatory process. In the second case, this is a direct reaction of the immune system. Studying the stages and mechanisms of inflammation of this type, we can say with confidence that the gradation depends on whether it is delayed or immediate. This statement is explained quite simply: first of all, it is worth noting that the mechanism for this inflammation is the antigen-antibody tandem. If the reaction to a certain intervention in the body develops immediately, then this particular one is activated first.mechanism, and later due to the processes of phagocytosis, mixing of the specified tandem with leukocytes and damage to this complex of the vascular walls, tissue edema and multiple hemorrhages rapidly increase. An example of such an acute condition is anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema (or angioedema) and other processes that require resuscitation measures.
With a slow reaction to an antigen, the process is not so rapid (for example, the Mantoux reaction). In this case, lymphocytes first find and destroy the foreign agent along with the tissues. Then there is a slow growth of the granuloma. This process is characterized by a rather protracted course.
Thus, the following types of inflammatory processes are distinguished:
- Spicy. Its duration is estimated at several hours. There are times when it takes about a week.
- Subacute. Usually completed after a few weeks.
- Chronic. It can last for years or even for life, flowing in waves: from exacerbation to remission.
Damage: Stage One
So, let's move on to the direct description of stepwise changes in the body. Any inflammation begins this way. As already mentioned, the 1st stage of inflammation is called alteration (from the word alteratio - "damage").
It is the rupture of tissues and, accordingly, the violation of the integrity of cells and blood vessels that lead to necrotic changes and the release of inflammatory mediators. These active substances change vascular tone,causing sharp pain and swelling.
Exudation
Vascular disorders in the inflamed area cause exudation (exudatio). This is stage 2 inflammation. The process consists in the release of blood fluid into the tissue. It is called exudate, which gave reason to call this process that way. When this stage occurs, it is the activation of mediators and disruption of the vessels that causes inflammation.
Due to the spasm that occurs in the arterioles, the blood flow in the damaged area increases significantly, which leads to hyperemia. Further, the metabolism increases, and hyperemia from the arterial passes into the venous. Vascular pressure increases rapidly, and the liquid blood part goes out of their borders. The exudate can be of different filling, the inflammatory form caused by it will depend on this.
Productive process
The third stage of inflammation is called proliferative. This inflammatory step is the final one. The regenerative processes occurring in the tissues make it possible either to restore the areas damaged by inflammation, or a scar forms in this place. But in this well-established and stable scheme, there are nuances: 3 stages of inflammation can be of varying degrees of intensity. Therefore, there are also different forms of these processes.
Basic shapes
Types, forms and stages of inflammation - this is what you need to pay attention to first. As we have already found out, the duration of the process is determined by such a concept as type. But that's not allcharacteristics by which inflammation can be assessed.
The stages of inflammation are the basis of his qualification and evaluation. But it happens that the components of the process are expressed to varying degrees. Depending on the basis of the inflammatory response, three forms of specific changes are distinguished:
- Alternative. This form is characterized by the predominance of necrotic processes in the inflamed organ. While other signs are much less pronounced. Usually this form of inflammation is observed in parenchymal organs: heart, kidneys, liver. In this case, the death and decay of muscle fibers and tissues is characteristic. This term is somewhat outdated, but in some areas of medicine it is still relevant.
- Exudative. The essence of the definition is that with such an inflammatory form, the presence of exudate is mandatory. Depending on what it will be, there are several subtypes of such inflammations: purulent, hemorrhagic, serous, fibrinous, catarrhal. Let's briefly dwell on each of them. For example, serous inflammation is characterized by the formation of a proteinaceous fluid. It can fill any cavity (pleural or articular bag and others). It is also possible to impregnate fibers and tissues with it, resulting in edematous changes. You can cure this form by pumping out the exudate. The fibrinous form of inflammation is divided into croupous and diphtheria. In this case, the secreted protein forms characteristic white films. The danger of this form is that it can formadhesions. Purulent inflammation is characterized by the formation of protein-leukocyte exudate. Discussing the forms, stages, types of inflammation, it is worth noting that this is a very severe form that can literally melt the tissues that it strikes. The penultimate form is hemorrhagic. The exudate in this case includes many red blood cells. That is, as a result, discharge with an admixture of blood may occur. Such inflammation is inherent in serious infectious diseases: anthrax, hemorrhagic meningitis, plague, smallpox and others. Its outcome will depend on the causative agent of the disease. But this type of inflammation is in any case very unsafe. The catarrhal inflammatory form is the mildest of all listed. She tends to secrete a large amount of mucus (runny nose, tracheitis).
- Proliferative. This form is characterized by the rapid growth of tissues and the formation of granulomas. It provokes cirrhosis (wrinkling) of various organs, develops around foreign bodies and parasitic inclusions.
Based on the foregoing, one should dwell in more detail on what stages of purulent inflammation are distinguished by specialists:
- Serous infiltrate.
- Necrotic process (phlegmous, gangrenous, abscessing)
The main pustular formations are divided into the following types:
- Focal inflammation (abscess). Otherwise, such a process is called an abscess. With such inflammation, the following occurs: a festering cavity is formed in the focus of infection with a constant influx of leukocytes into it. If the abscess breaks outward, then it is calledfistula. This also includes boils and carbuncles.
- Empyema is the formation of purulent exudate in natural cavities (appendix, pleura, parenchyma) due to the impossibility of outflow of contents.
- Infiltration. In another way, this stage is called phlegmon. In this case, pus impregnates the organ completely. The process is widespread throughout the structure of the affected area.
Purulent exudate can completely dissolve, forming a scar. But there is also the possibility of an unfavorable outcome. This happens if pus enters the bloodstream. As a result, sepsis inevitably develops, and the process becomes dangerous, generalized, the infection spreads throughout the body.
Characteristic example: pneumonia
This is one of the most serious and rather unpredictable diseases, caused by various pathogens that cause inflammation of the lungs. It is the presence of exudate in the alveoli that makes it difficult for the patient to breathe and provokes a change in the quality of life for the worse. The incidence depends on various factors, primarily on human immunity. But in any case, it is possible to track all three stages of the inflammatory process using the example of this disease.
Pneumonia also proceeds in stages. From the point of view of pathogenesis, 4 stages of pneumonia are distinguished: hot flush, red hepatization, gray hepatization, resolution. The first of them just characterizes the invasion of an infectious agent into the body, damage to the integrity of cells (alteration). As a result, there isflushing, skin allergic reactions, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, signs of severe intoxication.
In the stages of hepatization (red and gray hepatization), exudate is actively formed in the lung tissues. It is this process that causes distinct wheezing, manifestations of intoxication, and neurological disorders. The formation of sputum is very abundant - the exudate fills literally the entire affected area. How serious pneumonia is, says the factor of the extent of the lesion (center, segment, lobe of the lung, or total inflammation). There are cases when foci merge into one.
During the course of the resolution stage, the resulting exudate is separated, the affected areas of the lung are restored (proliferation) and gradual recovery. Of course, the stages of pneumonia clearly demonstrate the processes characteristic of the described state of the body. In addition to pneumonia, an example of the most characteristic diseases directly related to the development of inflammation can be:
- Atherosclerosis.
- Cancerous tumors.
- Asthmatic changes.
- Prostatitis: both acute and chronic.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system (such as coronary disease).
- Glomerulonephritis.
- Intestinal inflammation.
- Diseases of the organs located in the pelvic area.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Group of autoimmune diseases.
- Vasculitis.
- Cystitis.
- Transplant rejection.
- Sarcoidosis.
Finally, commonplace acne also appears due toinflammatory processes on the surface of the skin and in the deeper layers of the epidermis.
It is noteworthy that the immune system often plays a cruel joke with the body, provoking the development of inflammation. Briefly describe this process, we can say that immune bodies attack their own body. They can perceive entire organ systems as a threat to the life of the entire structure. Why this happens, unfortunately, is not fully understood.
Summary conclusion
Of course, none of the living is immune from inflammatory changes of varying severity. Moreover, this process was presented to humanity by nature and is designed to develop immunity and help the body more successfully follow the path of evolution. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that occur during inflammatory metamorphosis is necessary for every conscious inhabitant of the planet.
