Inflammation is the body's immune response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. It can be acute (short-term, protective) or chronic (long-term, harmful). Many common diseases involve chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is a fundamental biological process by which the body's immune system responds to harmful stimuli — including pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi), damaged cells, toxic substances, or physical injury. The inflammatory response is designed to eliminate the cause of harm, clear dead cells and tissues, and initiate tissue repair. The classic signs of acute inflammation, first described by ancient physicians, are: redness (rubor), heat (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor), and loss of function (functio laesa).
Acute inflammation is a short-term, protective process. For example, when you cut your finger, blood vessels dilate, immune cells (neutrophils and macrophages) rush to the site, pathogens are destroyed, and healing begins. This usually resolves within days. Chronic inflammation, however, is low-grade and persistent — it may last months to years and is now understood to be a central driver of many serious conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), and chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, COPD).
Inflammation can be measured in blood tests: C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and interleukin levels are common biomarkers. Anti-inflammatory medications include NSAIDs (ibuprofen), corticosteroids (prednisolone), and targeted biologics (for autoimmune diseases). Lifestyle factors that reduce chronic inflammation include a Mediterranean-style diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and not smoking.
Key Points
- The immune system's protective response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli
- Acute inflammation: short-term, protective — redness, swelling, heat, pain
- Chronic inflammation: persistent, low-grade — linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer
- Measured via blood tests: CRP, ESR
- Managed with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or biologics depending on cause
- Lifestyle: diet, exercise, and sleep are key to reducing chronic inflammation
Causes & Risk Factors
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
- Physical injury or trauma
- Autoimmune conditions (the immune system attacks the body's own tissues)
- Chronic exposure to irritants (tobacco smoke, pollution)
- Metabolic conditions (obesity-related adipose tissue inflammation)
- Allergic reactions and environmental exposures
When to See a Doctor
- If you have persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness — possible inflammatory arthritis
- If blood tests show elevated CRP or ESR without explanation
- If you have chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or recurring fevers
- If you have been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition — for specialist management
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: May 29, 2026