Question

Discuss and give examples of Systemic vs. local inflammation

Answer 1

Systemic inflammation:

It refers to the infection which affects entire body. For example, systemic disorders, such as high blood pressure, or systemic diseases, such as the flu, affect the entire body.

Local inflammation:

It refers to the infection limited to single part or single organ.

Examples of localised inflammation:

• Cystitis: an inflammation of the bladder
• Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi
• Otitis media: an inflammation of the middle ear
• Dermatitis: a disease where the skin is inflamed

A local inflammatory response always occurs in relation to trauma. Severe injury or multiple trauma evoke a systemic inflammatory response and this response to major injury is caused by hormonal, metabolic and immunological mediators, and is associated with a haemodynamic response.