Signs of inflammation

Inflammation is classically manifested by 5 inflammatory signs: redness (rubor), overheating (calor), swelling (tumor), pain (dolor) and reduced function (functio laesa). The following can be observed: One of the first signs of inflammation is a rapidly developing redness of the skin, which is a sign of increased blood circulation. Due to the improved blood circulation, it is possible to detect an overheating of the affected area with the bare hand.

In the course of the disease, the affected tissue swells rapidly, a partially visible lump develops and the skin begins to tighten. As a further sign of inflammation, an inflammation sometimes causes severe pain, which is sometimes described as throbbing/puncturing in a pulse-synchronous manner. Finally, the inflammatory sign of Functio laesa develops.

This means that due to the pain and swelling, the affected area can no longer be used to the normal extent, which is to be understood as a protective function of the body. If, for example, you cut your finger and develop a local inflammation, you can no longer use this finger to its full extent, as pressure and movement cause pain; in the context of a sore throat, it is difficult to speak. This should prevent the damage from increasing.

In addition to these typical signs of inflammation, there are other symptoms that can occur parallel to the inflammation. For example, there may be visible formation of pus from a wound, which can flow off or be expressed. If it is a major or internal inflammation, fever will occur in most cases.

In the context of a severe pneumonia, for example, this can be over 40°C. In addition to these clinical signs, other signs of inflammation can be determined in the doctor’s office or hospital. During blood tests, an elevated number of white blood cells, which represent the body’s defense cells, is noticeable.

These are produced in increased quantities to fight the inflammation. A frequently used marker for an inflammation that is not obvious is the C-reactive protein (CRP), a routine parameter in internal medicine. Specific for bacterial inflammation is pro-calcitonin (PCT).