Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli such as damaged cells due to injury, chemical irritants or invading micro-organisms. It is an attempt by the body to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process; without inflammation, wounds and infections would never heal. It is important to note that inflammation is not a synonym for infection, even in cases where inflammation is caused by infection.

Typical signs of inflammation include swelling, reddening, heat, pain and loss of normal function.