Lesson One - Inflammation
| Site: | MoodleHUB.ca đ |
| Course: | Chronic Conditions [1 cr] - AB Ed copy 1 |
| Book: | Lesson One - Inflammation |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 14 September 2025, 4:05 AM |
Information
- This lesson is designed to take approximately 30 minutes.
- You have the following tasks and assignments to complete in this lesson:
- Study all Lesson 1 content, including videos, supplementary reading, etc.
- 2.1 Quiz
- 2.5 Final Assignment Step 1
Lesson Outcomes
- Learn what inflammation is.
- Learn what makes a person more likely to develop chronic inflammation.
Defining Inflammation
Inflammation Definition
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The suffix -itis means inflammation. Many conditions are named to indicate where the inflammation is occurring. For example, tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon.
Learn More
To go more in-depth with inflammation watch this video from Khan Academy.
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Inflammation
Acute vs. Chronic
Remember in Unit 1 when we discussed the differences between acute and chronic illnesses? The words acute and chronic should give you a clue about the differences between acute and chronic inflammation.
Acute Inflammation: Symptoms usually appear quickly and resolve in about two weeks or less. While it is a short duration, it is often severe while it lasts. Acute inflammation restores the body to the state it was in before the inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation generally lasts more than 6 weeks. There does not have to be an injury to start the inflammatory process and it does not always end with the healing of the illness or injury. Usually it is slower and less severe than acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to autoimmune disorder, where the immune system identifies its own cells as intruders and the immune response is initiated.
Acute Inflammation: Symptoms usually appear quickly and resolve in about two weeks or less. While it is a short duration, it is often severe while it lasts. Acute inflammation restores the body to the state it was in before the inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation generally lasts more than 6 weeks. There does not have to be an injury to start the inflammatory process and it does not always end with the healing of the illness or injury. Usually it is slower and less severe than acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to autoimmune disorder, where the immune system identifies its own cells as intruders and the immune response is initiated.
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Stress
Stress and Chronic Inflammation
Does the term âfight, flight, or freezeâ sound familiar? This is the body's reaction when stress is encountered. Fight, flight, or freeze responses are associated with increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, if the stress does not
go away, the sensitivity of the immune cells to cortisol is decreased. When the immune cells are not sensitive to the increase and decrease of stress hormones, the body is not able to regulate the inflammatory response and chronic inflammation can
develop.
Genetics
The Influence of Genetics on Chronic Inflammation
A family of four related genes called AUF1 are responsible for controlling the inflammatory response. If any of these genes are damaged or mutated, inflammation will not be properly regulated. This means that for some chronic inflammation, genetics plays a direct role.
Body Systems
Systems of the Human Body â Review
In HSS1010: Health Services Foundations you learned about 11 body systems. For a review of these systems, click on each collapsible row.
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The integumentary system includes several organs:
- Skin (two layersâepidermis and dermis)
- Sebaceous [seâbay'âshuss] glandsâcommonly called oil glands
- Sudoriferous [su-dor'-if-er-us] glandsâcommonly called sweat glands
- Hair
- Nails
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The skeletal system and bones
- serve as a support framework,
- protect vital organs such as the brain, heart, and lungs,
- work with muscles to produce movement,
- store calcium salts, and
- contain the red bone marrow that produces blood cells.
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The muscular system consists of
- cardiac muscle, which forms the heart's wall and produces the pulsing action of the heart as it contracts,
- smooth muscle, which makes up the hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, and bladder, as well as those of the blood vessels and respiratory passageways, and
- skeletal muscle, which is so named because this type of muscle is attached to bone and produces movement at the joints (In your face, the skeletal muscles are attached to the facial bones as well as the skin to allow facial expression.).
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The nervous system is a complex communication system with two major structural divisions:
- The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord, which control all the workings of all parts of the body. The brain and spinal cord together serve as the main processing centre for the entire nervous system.
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside the CNS. It includes all the cranial nerves that carry messages to and from the brain, and all the spinal nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord.
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The endocrine system is a system of glands that produce and secrete hormones, chemical messengers that travel in the blood to specific target organs. These hormones influence the function of almost every cell, organ, and system.
The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating
The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating
- metabolism (the rate your body converts digested food into energy)
- growth and development
- tissue function
- internal environment of the body (temperature, fluid balance)
- mood
- sexual function and reproductive processes
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The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network of lymphatic vessels that transport a fluid called lymph. This system
- helps balance the bodyâs fluid levels.
- defends the body against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can cause infections and illnesses.
- collects extra lymph from the body tissues and returns it to the bloodâan essential process because water, proteins, and other substances are leaking continuously from tiny blood capillaries into the surrounding body tissues.
- makes lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, that produce antibodies.
- includes the spleen that also helps the body fight infection (As blood passes through the spleen, old red blood cells and foreign bodies are filtered and removed. The lifespan of a red blood cell is about 120 days.).
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Organs included in the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. This system
- digests food into nutrients that can be used by the bodyâs cells.
- allows nutrients to be absorbed by the cells.
- ensures solid waste materials are eliminated from the body.
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Organs included in the urinary system are two kidneys, left and right ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system
- removes liquid wastes and dissolved substances from the body.
- maintains the body's fluid balance and pH.
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Human reproduction is sexual, meaning that individuals have either male or female specialized cells designed specifically for the perpetuation of the species. Unlike other body systems, the reproductive system is not necessary for survival
as individuals. Both the female and male reproductive system is categorized into two groups of organs, primary and accessory.
- The primary organs are the gonads, or sex glands, which produce the gametes, or sex cells, as well as hormones (estrogen in females; testosterone in males). The female gonads are the paired ovaries (singular: ovary), and the female gametes are ova (singular: ovum). The male gonads are the paired testes or testicles (singular: testis), and the male gametes are sperm.
- Female accessory organs include external genitals, various exocrine glands, and internal organs of the vagina, uterus, and uterine tubes (oviducts).
- Male accessory organs include external genitals, various exocrine glands, and a series of internal ducts and tubules that transport semen containing male gametes (sperm).
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The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, the smaller arterioles, veins, the smaller venules, and the microscopic capillaries that connect them). This system
- pumps blood (transporting nutrients, oxygen, and other needed substances) to all the body tissues.
- carries waste materials, including carbon dioxide, away from the tissues.
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The respiratory system includes the lungs and the passages leading to and from them, which includes the trachea [trayâkeyâa] and the left and right bronchus (together called bronchi [brongââki]), and the smaller bronchioles [brongââkeyâoles].
The respiratory system
The respiratory system
- takes in air and conducts it to the alveoli, tiny air sacs in the lungs designed for gas exchange.
- provides body cells with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide that cells produce as waste.
Inflammation Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that make a person more susceptible to conditions associated with chronic inflammation. Each of the following collapsible rows will cover what the risks are for each of the body systems reviewed on the previous page.
Note that the inflammatory conditions in this section are general and by no means address all of the risk factors or inflammatory conditions of the body.
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Inflammation of the skin is called dermatitis. The most common are eczema and psoriasis.
Risk factors for inflammation of the integumentary system include:
Risk factors for inflammation of the integumentary system include:
- having a personal history of eczema
- having a family history of eczema
- allergies
- hay fever
- asthma
- smoking
- obesity
- stress
- viral and/or bacterial infections
Learn More
For more about eczema, visit WebMD and read about Types of Eczema.Learn More
For more information, visit MayoClinic and read about Psoriasis.
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Inflammation of the skeletal system most commonly happens in the joints in the form of arthritis. While there are several types of arthritis, there are two main types, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both involve
an inflamed joint lining (synovial membrane).
Risk factors for skeletal system arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis comes from wear and tear damage to the joint cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system attacks the joint capsule lining and eventually destroys the joint and cartilage.
Risk factors for skeletal system arthritis include:
- Family history
- Age
- Biological sex
- Previous joint injury
- Obesity
- Environmental factors, such as poor diet and improper mechanics in exercise
Learn More
For more information, visit MayoClinic and read about Arthritis.Muscular inflammation is also known as inflammatory myositis. Inflammatory myopathies are autoimmune diseases.
Risk factors include:
Genetic predisposition combined with
- infections
- viruses
- toxins
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Prolonged nervous system inflammation, or neuroinflammation, contributes to a number of diseases in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Some of these include neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, Alzheimerâs, Parkinsonâs,
multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, ischemia, and depression.
Risk factors include:
Risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Alcohol abuse
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B
- Infections such as Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein- Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, and HIV
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Exposure to toxins
- Repetitive motion
- Family history of neuropathy
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
When the individual glands in the endocrine system are inflamed, one of two things can happen: either the gland overproduces or under produces the hormones that it is in charge of.
The risk factors that can contribute to endocrine system inflammation are:
The risk factors that can contribute to endocrine system inflammation are:
- family history
- obesity
- stress
- viral and/or bacterial infections
- autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- kidney disorders
- liver disorders
- thyroid disorders
- exposure to toxins
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Your lymphatic system is a key component of your immune system. When there is inflammation present in this body system it is called lymphangitis. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if with lymphangitis, as the condition
can become complicated and very serious.
Risk factors for chronic lymphangitis are:
Risk factors for chronic lymphangitis are:
- diabetes
- immunodeficiency, or loss of immune function
- chronic steroid use
- chickenpox
- a cat or dog bite
- a wound received while in freshwater
- sporotrichosis, a soil-borne fungal infection
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The three most common chronic inflammatory conditions of the urinary system are nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), and urethral syndrome (inflammation of the urethra).
Nephritis ranked as the tenth highest leading cause of death in Canada in 2018, up from eleventh the previous four years. Looking at the risk factors below, why do you think this might be the case?
The risk factors for developing an inflammation of the urinary system include:
Nephritis ranked as the tenth highest leading cause of death in Canada in 2018, up from eleventh the previous four years. Looking at the risk factors below, why do you think this might be the case?
The risk factors for developing an inflammation of the urinary system include:
- being sexually active
- certain types of birth control, especially diaphragms
- being pregnant
- being menopausal or post-menopausal
- anything that prevents complete emptying of the bladder
- changes in the immune system
- prolonged use of bladder catheters
- diabetes
- high blood pressure heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease
- smoking
- obesity
- being of certain ethnic backgrounds
- abnormal kidney structure
- age
- taking certain medications
- having sex without a condom
- contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- improper genital hygiene
- using scented products on the genital area
Pixabay
Sexual reproduction requires a transmission of body fluids. Infections transmitted by sexual contact are referred to as sexually transmitted infections or STIs. The health community
prefers the term infection over the term disease because a person can be infected without showing any signs or symptoms of the disease. STIs are a common cause of inflammation of the reproductive system.
Inflammation of the female reproductive system is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Inflammation of the male reproductive system is named for the tissue or organ where the inflammation occurs. If it starts in the testes it is called orchitis. If it is in the epididymis, the tube that stores sperm in the back of the scrotum, it is called epididymitis. If it starts in the epididymis and goes into the testes it is called epididymoâorchitis.
Inflammation of the female reproductive system is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Inflammation of the male reproductive system is named for the tissue or organ where the inflammation occurs. If it starts in the testes it is called orchitis. If it is in the epididymis, the tube that stores sperm in the back of the scrotum, it is called epididymitis. If it starts in the epididymis and goes into the testes it is called epididymoâorchitis.
Risk factors for contracting an STI:
- Being sexually active at a young age
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Being in a sexual relationship with a person who has more than one sexual partner
- Having sex without proper physical protection, such as condoms or dental dams
Female risk factors for inflammation:
- Douching regularly
- Having a personal history of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infection
Male risk factors for inflammation:
- Obesity
- Having a personal history of sexually transmitted infection
- Mumps or other viral infections
- Testicular torsion
- Varicocele, an enlargement of the being that drains blood from the testicle to the abdomen
- Obstruction of the ejaculatory duct or the urogenital tract
- Drug therapy
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
High levels of inflammation in the cardiovascular system are associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Risk factors for cardiovascular inflammation include:
Risk factors for cardiovascular inflammation include:
- Smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- Being sedentary
- Eating processed and fast foods
- Family history of cardiovascular events
- Personal history of high blood pressure and/or cholesterol
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The general term for respiratory inflammation is pneumonitis. Examples include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, and chronic pneumonia.
Risk factors include:
Risk factors include:
- genetics
- allergies
- being overweight
- smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- being exposed to pollutants regularly
- being immunocompromised
- surgery
Summary
Now that you have completed Lesson 1, you should have a better understanding of the inflammatory process and how it can lead to various chronic conditions. You should be able to explain some of the factors that might cause inflammation. You should also be able to discuss what increases the risk of inflammation in the various body systems.