Foreign Body Reaction: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

A foreign body reaction refers to the organism’s response to the intrusion of a substance or object. In most cases, these are defensive reactions that occur locally. Severe defensive reactions, such as those involving infection, can be potentially life-threatening.

What is a foreign body reaction?

The entry of a foreign body occurs as a result of an accident, attack, or surgery. The term “foreign body reaction” is used by physicians to describe the reaction of the human organism to the intrusion of an object or substance foreign to the body. Only solid objects such as objects or solid substances such as asbestos or soot can cause a foreign body reaction. The penetration of the foreign body occurs as a result of an accident, an attack, an operation, or even the accidental inhalation of corresponding particles. The body’s reaction to this is often localized to the area where the foreign body or bodies are located and can vary in severity. If it is an object that has penetrated the organism, the skin, flesh and musculature in the respective region are injured and exhibit a defensive reaction. If a foreign substance has been inhaled, the defense is initially limited to the respiratory organs. Implants can also cause a foreign body reaction. It is not uncommon for the immunological defense reactions to lead to more or less severe inflammation, which can significantly impair the patient’s general condition. If left untreated, the foreign body reactions can, in the worst case, lead to death.

Function and task

A foreign body reaction is a protective mechanism of the body to defend itself against objects that invade the skin, tissues, or organs. The organism is quick to recognize a foreign body and attempts to repel it by any means necessary. This is important in that potentially dangerous substances and objects are repelled or eliminated before they can cause harm to the body. It is particularly the cells in the so-called MPS (mononuclear phagocyte system) that are responsible for defense. If it is not possible to repel or break down the foreign body, these cells increasingly surround the object and form so-called foreign body granulomas. These are new tissues that are formed specifically to encapsulate the foreign body so that it is separated from the rest of the organism. In most cases, there is initially an acute inflammation around the invaded object or substance. The immune system runs at full speed during this time and tries everything to get rid of the intruder. The associated inflammation can lead to clearly visible redness, pus formation, fever and increased pain in open wounds, for example. If the organism detects a foreign body in the respiratory tract, for example, it reacts with coughing, shortness of breath, fever and the formation of mucus or purulent sputum. Ideally, it is able to expel, excrete or biodegrade the foreign body in this way. Of course, medicine can also help support the body’s defenses and remove the foreign body or substance, allowing the inflammation to subside and the immune system to function normally again. In the case of very small objects or fine substances, the patient often does not even notice the intrusion, and it is only the foreign body reaction that makes him aware of it. Especially in cases of severe inflammation, a significantly impaired general condition and persistent discomfort, it is advisable to see a doctor or hospital promptly to avoid chronic development of the inflammation and.

Diseases and complaints

Foreign body reactions can sometimes be severe and can greatly affect the patient’s health. Severe infections can have life-threatening consequences in the worst cases, especially if they are not treated or are treated too late. If individual limbs are affected by a severe acute or chronic infection, amputation is imminent to prevent the same from spreading to the entire organism. In the early stages, inflammations caused by the penetration of a foreign body can be treated with the help of antibiotics and strict hygiene. However, this should be preceded by controlled removal of the foreign body (if necessary as part of a surgical procedure).If foreign substances have been inhaled, this can lead to significant respiratory impairment. Asbestosis occurs approximately after accidental inhalation of asbestos. It quickly becomes chronic and is characterized by non-specific symptoms. Soot and other dusts not infrequently cause so-called pneumoconiosis in the respiratory organs, which in the course of time leads to shortness of breath and reduced lung volume. X-rays of the organ reveal changes in the lung tissue. However, foreign bodies deliberately introduced into the human body, such as artificial joints or breast implants, can also lead to undesirable immune reactions. If the implants are rejected by the immune system, this also leads to inflammation accompanied by fever, pain and swelling. If the implant is not removed or replaced promptly, capsular fibrosis may develop. These sometimes painful hard connective tissue nodules can be surgically removed if they cause discomfort to the patient. Capsular fibrosis is particularly common after breast augmentation. In the case of joint prostheses, abrasion of the implant can also lead to foreign body reactions. Over a longer period of time, these can lead to loosening of the joint socket, making renewed surgical intervention necessary. If prostheses are not accepted by the organism, this leads in many cases to pain, which can also become chronic. This significantly restricts the patient’s mobility. If the complaints do not subside, the implant must be removed.