clinical features (acute inflammation)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The classical clinical features of acute inflammation according to the ancient Greek scientist Celsus (30 BC to AD 38) were:

• calor - heat
• rubor - redness
• dolor - pain
• tumour - swelling

To this, Galen (AD 130-200) later added:

• functio laesa - loss of function

Localised acute inflammation is best illustrated by the triple response. Localised inflammation can preciptate systemic signs of acute inflammation; occasionally, a systemic disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, can produce localised inflammation.