What Is Inflammation? Meaning on Labels and Reports

What it means

Inflammation is the body's natural defence and repair response. When tissue is injured or infected, the immune system sends extra blood, fluid and white blood cells to the area. That causes the classic signs: redness, warmth, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function. Short-term (acute) inflammation is usually helpful. Long-term (chronic) inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, can damage tissue over time.

Many medicine labels use the word. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, are described as reducing inflammation, pain and swelling. Words ending in '-itis', such as hepatitis, colitis or tendinitis, mean inflammation of that body part, and labels use them for side effects or uses. Blood tests such as CRP and ESR can show general inflammation in the body.

Inflammation is not the same as infection. Infection is one cause of inflammation, but injuries, allergies and autoimmune conditions also cause it. Antibiotics treat bacterial infection, not inflammation itself.

Where you may see it

• The 'Indications' section of NSAID and corticosteroid labels
• Side effects ending in '-itis' on many medicine labels
• Blood test reports (CRP, ESR) and scan reports