Acute ontsteking I: Ontstekingsreactie

Acute inflammation is a short-term response that lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by infection, trauma, or chemical injury, resulting in necrosis.

The process begins when the body detects harmful stimuli, activating resident immune cells like mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, which detect pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular patterns via pattern-recognition receptors.

Once activated, these cells release inflammatory mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins, which cause vasodilation and increased blood flow to the site, leading to erythema.

These vascular changes produce the classic signs of inflammation—erythema, edema, and heat.

Swelling and inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and bradykinin sensitize local nerves, generating pain.

Cytokines such as TNF and IL-1 activate the endothelium to express selectins and adhesion molecules, enabling rolling, adhesion, and diapedesis of leukocytes into the affected area.

Leukocytes then eliminate pathogens and may also clear debris, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting healing.