Inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system's protective response to injury, infection or irritation, bringing blood flow, fluid and immune cells to the affected tissue.

Acute inflammation produces the familiar signs of redness, heat, swelling, pain and loss of function, and it normally resolves once the threat is cleared and repair begins. Chronic inflammation is a low-grade, persistent state that can continue for months or years and is implicated in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders and arthritis. Diet, smoking, obesity, poor sleep and chronic stress are recognized contributors.

Clinicians assess inflammation through examination and blood markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, with imaging or biopsy for specific conditions. Cannabidiol has shown anti-inflammatory effects in many laboratory and animal models, but clinical evidence in humans depends on the specific condition and outcome studied and remains limited.