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Chronic inflammation: What is it?
Inflammation is the immune system's natural complex reaction to injury and pathogens. The inflammatory response includes the release of chemicals and antibodies and increased blood flow to the affected area. Inflammation can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute inflammation is self-limiting and usually lasts for a few hours to a few days. Chronic inflammation occurs when the inflammatory response persists even after the injury or illness is healed.