The concept of inflammation was known already during ancient times as the cascade of rash (rubor), swelling (tumor), heat (calor), pain (dolor) and loss of function (functio laesa). For as much as inflammation is perceived as an inconvenience, it is a natural and important part of the body’s response to external and internal threats. The symptoms described above are caused by cells, mainly from the immune system, acting to defend the body against dangerous agents.
Today we know that symptoms of inflammation are triggered by a number of conditions such as infections, injuries, surgery and allergic reactions, often in combination with genetic predisposition and lifestyle. Typical inflammatory conditions include e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis (Streptococcal throat infection) and hives, but also conditions not presenting with typical inflammatory symptoms, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and asthma, have been found to have inflammatory components.
Inflammation is mediated by a wide range of cell-signalling substances, so-called cytokines. Many modern anti-inflammatory drugs aim at specifically targeting the harmful substances and their effects without disrupting the body’s normal function.