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Doctor Decoded: What Inflammation Actually Means
In this video, learn the science behind inflammation in the body and how it relates to the immune system.
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD
Updated on January 30, 2024Inflammation is a byproduct of the immune system. When the immune system is doing its job to protect the body, inflammation naturally occurs. In fact, when you catch a cold, the bulk of your symptoms are actually the result of inflammation — not the bug itself.
Thanks to improved understanding of the immune response, treatment for both acute and chronic inflammation has improved, allowing millions to live a better quality of life.
References
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). What is inflammation?
Immune Deficiency Foundation. (2019). The immune system and primary immunodeficiency.
View All References (1)
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. (2018). What is an inflammation? InformedHealth.org [Internet].
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