CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Chronic inflammation (also known as chronic systemic inflammation) is an inflammatory immune response of prolonged duration that eventually leads to tissue damage. Chronic inflammation is differentiated from acute inflammation by extended duration, lasting anywhere from a week to an indefinite time frame. The exact nature of chronic inflammation depends on the causative agent and the body's attempts to ameliorate it.

Chronic inflammation may develop as a progression from acute inflammation if the original stimulus persists or after repeated episodes of acute inflammation. Examples of diseases that can cause chronic inflammation include tuberculosis, chronic cholecystitis, bronchiectasis, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), silicosis and other Pneumoconiosis and an implanted foreign body in a wound among many others.