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Inflamation Definition

By Pat Bass, About.com

Updated July 04, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Inflammation is a swelling and irritation of the lining of the lung. It is normally part of a protective mechanism of your immune system that occurs when your body senses something as foreign. You might notice swelling and redness on your skin after an injury. In the lung with asthma, inflammation can cause bronchoconstriction and increased mucus that leads to classic asthma symptoms:

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