What are common signs of inflammation?

Swelling, redness, heat, and pain are classic signs of inflammation, known as the cardinal signs. Inflammation is the body's immediate response to injury or infection, and these signs occur as a result of increased blood flow and the accumulation of immune cells at the affected site.

When tissue is damaged, chemicals such as histamines are released, leading to increased vascular permeability. This allows fluid, proteins, and white blood cells to enter the tissue, causing swelling. The redness and heat result from the increased blood flow to the area, while pain is typically due to the release of certain chemicals that stimulate nerve endings, signaling that something is wrong. This response is crucial for healing, as it helps to isolate and destroy pathogens, clear out damaged cells, and facilitates repair.

In contrast, the other choices reflect symptoms that may be associated with various health conditions but do not specifically indicate inflammation. For example, nausea, vomiting, fever, and weakness can occur in infections or systemic illnesses, while dizziness and fatigue are often signs of general malaise or other non-specific conditions. Headaches and body aches may suggest inflammation but are not pathognomonic for it, as they can be evident in numerous other scenarios such as viral infections or stress.