Inflammation is a crucial response of the immune system to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain. It’s the body’s way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria.

However, inflammation can become problematic when it’s chronic, as it’s associated with various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The balance between acute and chronic inflammation is therefore vital for health. Understanding the causes and effects of inflammation is key to managing health and preventing disease.

In response to an infection, the immune system springs into action. White blood cells, antibodies, and other mechanisms go to work to rid the body of the foreign invader. Many symptoms during an infection—fever, malaise, headache, rash—are the result of immune system activities trying to eliminate the infection.

Cholangitis, for instance, is often caused by a blocked bile duct, leading to infection. This can result from gallstones, tumors, blood clots, or post-surgical narrowing of a duct. Treatment typically involves antibiotics.

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species can cause a wide range of infections in humans and animals through infection or the production of toxins. These bacteria can lead to serious conditions like blood infections, pneumonia, meningitis in newborns, urinary tract infections, and more.

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is another related condition, a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, leading to easy bruising, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding.

Harvard Health, Harvard Health, and Harvard Health offer comprehensive information on inflammation. For further details on infection diseases, visit The National Academies and The National Academies. The University of Rochester Medical Center and the University of Washington provide insights into specific infections.