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Inflammation has 5 cardinal symptoms.
Redness(rubor)
Heat (Calor)
Swollen (Tumour)
Painful (Dolor)
Loss of function. (Pathy)
In the first episode we took a look at pain. Tonight we review swelling.
Swelling or oedema is a common symptom of inflammation and represents the proliferative stage of inflammation's cascade. After initial vasoconstriction caused by platelets and injured tissue cell releases of phospholipids, and other inflammatory mediators, the next group of cells in tissues to activate are the Mast Cells.
Mast cells are specialised white blood cells that reside along side capillaries in tissue. A type of basophil that is classified as a granulocyte (a cell containing granules). Mast cells are rich in granules of Histamine a potent vasodilator and leukotriene which is a chemical attractant for blood borne white blood cells to migrate towards the site of damage. When released histamine causes capillaries to enlarge increasing blood flow to the damaged area, and also allows them to open tiny pores in the capillary walls. Ultimately this increase in permeability allows large white blood cells (neutrophils and monocytes) to squeeze out of the pores and start fighting bacterial contamination, and clean up cellular debris. Trouble is that when the capillaries pores open, they leak plasma and plasma proteins like Albumin into the interstitial spaces. This is called oedema or swelling.
It starts inside the first hour, and maximises in 24-48 hours.
Remember the last sprained ankle you saw, or burn, or even a minor injury that you experienced... Swelling is a common feature of inflammation.
This link is a short video I did to talk about oedema.
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