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Inflammation is a result of the body's efforts to heal a damaged or infected area. It does this by bathing the damaged tissue in recuperative fluids from the blood. Inflammation can be the result of a bruise, a scratch, cellulitis, muscle strains or sprains, dislocations, allergies, or burns. It often goes unnoticed and inflammation only becomes a problem when it hinders a person's ability to function normally or prompts a level of response that is out of proportion with the threat to the system.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and ketoprofen all have anti-inflammatory properties, unlike paracetamol. NSAIDs are particularly useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis. They prevent the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemicals produced by the body that contribute to the pain and swelling of inflamed tissue. They achieve this by inhibiting the production of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX).

The inflammation of tissue is part of the response by the body's immune system, which works to isolate the damaged area and promote healing. Initially, there is a nervous constriction of the blood vessels in the affected area. This is followed by the release of chemicals causing the vasodilation of the blood vessels, allowing plasma to flood the area through the capillaries. This dilatation of the superficial capillaries means that inflammation is often accompanied by redness of the skin, or erythema. The increased blood flow causes many of the symptoms associated with inflammation. The plasma from the capillaries enters the tissue and produces oedema. Pressure from the increase in immune cells and the swelling in the area causes pain and irritation amongst local nerve endings. This can also increase the temperature of the affected area.

Plasma is a fluid that contains fibrinogen, which helps form a blood clot and has chemicals that attract white blood cells that begin to clear the injured area of bacteria, dead cells, and foreign bodies. The foreign bodies are carried from the site of the inflammation by the veins and the lymphatic system. Pus, should it develop in the wound, is actually the aggregation of a large number of white blood cells in the area. The blood clot is eventually replaced by granulation tissue containing fibroblasts.

Histamine also has a role to play in inflammation. Histamine is released from mast cells and increases the blood flow to the injured area as well as the amount of fluids and proteins leaked from the blood.

The key to the inflammation process within the body is prostaglandin. Prostaglandin performs a variety of regulatory functions within the body, including inflammation, temperature regulation, smooth muscle contraction and blood vessel elasticity. It also supports the function of the platelets that are necessary to form blood clots. When inflammation occurs, the damaged cells release unsaturated fatty acids that form prostaglandins. NSAIDs inhibit the production of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX) which, in turn, suppresses the biosynthesis of prostaglandin. This reduces the amount of inflammation that occurs in reaction to injury or irritants.