Effects of acute inflammation: 

A. Beneficial effects

-  Dilution of toxins: The concentration of chemical and bacterial toxins at the site of inflammation is reduced by dilution in the exudate and its removal from the site by the flow of exudates from the venules through the tissue to the lymphatics.

-  Protective antibodies: Exudation results in the presence of plasma proteins including antibodies at the site of inflammation. Thus, antibodies directed against the causative organisms will react and promote microbial destruction by phagocytosis or complement-mediated cell lysis.

-  Fibrin formation: This prevents bacterial spread and enhances phagocytosis by leukocytes.

-  Plasma mediator systems provisions: The complement, coagulation, fibrinolytic, & kinin systems are provided to the area of injury by the process of inflammation.

-  Cell nutrition: The flow of inflammatory exudates brings with it glucose, oxygen and other nutrients to meet the metabolic requirements of the greatly increased number of cells. It also removes their solute waste products via lymphatic channels.

-  Promotion of immunity: Micro-organisms and their toxins are carried by the exudates, either free or in phagocytes, along the lymphaics to local lymph nodes where they stimulate an immune response with the generation of antibodies and cellular immune mechanisms of defense.

B. Harmful effects

-  Tissue destruction  Inflammation  may result in tissue necrosis and the tissue necrosis may, in turn, incite inflammation.

-  Swelling: The swelling caused by inflammation may have serious mechanical effects at certain locations. Examples include acute epiglottitis with interference in breathing; Acute meningitis and encephalitis with effects of increased intracranial pressure.

-  Inappropriate response:  The inflammatory seen in hypersensitivity reactions is inappropriate (i.e. exaggerated).

References

Bezabeh ,M. ; Tesfaye,A.; Ergicho, B.; Erke, M.; Mengistu, S. and Bedane,A.; Desta, A.(2004). General Pathology. Jimma University, Gondar University Haramaya University, Dedub University.