APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. swelling, increased temperature, and often pain in a part of the body (e.g., inflammation of the lungs in bronchitis, inflammation of the joints in arthritis). It occurs as part of the body’s immune response to infection or injury; it also occurs when the body attacks itself in autoimmune diseases. Medical treatments vary with the causes and targets of inflammation but can include medications (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroid therapy) and topical therapies such as the use of heat, ice, massage, and acupuncture (especially for joint inflammation). Cognitive behavior therapy, together with biofeedback, relaxation exercises, and other forms of pain and stress management, may help patients cope with the inflammation. See also cytokine; neuroinflammation.