Page 10 - Understanding How the Body Develops Serious Medical Conditions part 1

Stage 2: Reaction phase

Whenever there is enough damage to the cells of

the body, the body reacts and creates an

inflammatory reaction. This is a step beyond the

excretion phase. Now the body senses that either

definite damage is being done to the body.

Inflammation mobilizes the immune cells to move

into the affected or infected area and clear it out of

any pathogens and toxins as well as damaged

tissue. The cardinal signs of inflammation are

redness, swelling, heat, pain and temporary

decrease in function.

Lets continue the example from above. Imagine

that the bacteria from the bad food has begun to

damage the stomach or intestines. Now, in addition

to vomiting and diarrhea, you also develop pain

and cramps in the abdominal region. This is the

body reacting to damage and creating inflammation

as a response. Another example is a twisted ankle

that becomes swollen, red, painful and difficult to

walk on.

Many times we know the cause of the

inflammation. Sometimes, however, inflammation