How does the anti-inflammatory response affect a wound?

As a defense mechanism, the body uses inflammation to create the vascular and tissue alterations required to keep microorganisms out and prepare the tissue for healing.

In the case of an immunocompromised individual, a wound that is not heavily perfused with white blood cells may provide an opening for microorganisms to enter and spread both locally and widely.

It will therefore even obstruct the natural healing process, which will increase the likelihood that microorganisms will intrude more readily.

Therefore, an anti-inflammatory response tampers with the body's normal response to disrupt the natural process.

However, there is evidence that in certain individuals, an overly inflammatory response results in excessive tissue destruction, hypertrophied scarring, and keloid formation, all of which are detrimental to the patient. In these situations, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids are administered as part of palliative care to reduce inflammation. Granulomatous swelling in the brain in Type B patients, for example, has been shown to cause compression of the surrounding structure; in these cases, corticosteroids are indicated.

As a result, inflammation is genuinely described as a DOUBLE EDGED SWORD because it can be detrimental in both its absence and its excessive presence. Antiinflammatory drugs play a part in the latter scenario.

The anti-inflammatory response helps to limit inflammation and prevent excessive tissue damage. It also promotes tissue repair and regeneration, aiding in the healing process.