Signs of Infection: Redness and Warmth
When the body detects the presence of a foreign organism in a specific area, it initiates a response to eliminate the threat. One of the ways the body does this is by increasing blood supply to the infected area. By doing so, it ensures that more white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections, are delivered to the site. Additionally, this increased blood flow helps reduce the concentration of toxins in the region.
The chemical mediators produced in the infected area cause the blood vessels supplying that area to dilate. This process, known as vasodilation, brings a greater volume of blood to the infected area. As a result, the affected area appears red and feels warm to the touch.
Understanding Swelling
When it comes to inflammation, blood plays a crucial role, consisting of plasma, plasma proteins, and blood cells. As an area becomes inflamed, an increased amount of blood flows to that specific region. However, the walls of blood vessels are lined with closely-knit epithelial cells that prevent the blood components from entering the space between the tissues. To combat this challenge, chemical mediators come into play. They work to widen the gaps between these epithelial cells, allowing some plasma and white blood cells to move from inside the vessel into the tissue. This process serves to dilute toxins and fight off any infectious organisms present. As fluid accumulates in the tissues, the area will visibly swell. Furthermore, the lymph nodes responsible for draining the affected area may also become swollen and inflamed.