What is aseptic inflammation?

Inflammation caused by non-biological factors such as physical, chemical, tissue necrosis, and immune reactions is called aseptic inflammation. It is a type of inflammation, in contrast to infectious inflammation caused by biological factors like bacteria or viruses.

It is a general term for a broad category of pathological processes. Many diseases can cause aseptic inflammation, and in some cases, the disease itself is essentially a form of aseptic inflammation, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or ankylosing spondylitis.

Which department should be visited for aseptic inflammation?

English Name: Aseptic Inflammation / Sterile inflammation

Alias: Sterile inflammatory response

Departments: Immunology, General Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Allergy, etc.

What causes aseptic inflammation?

Common factors include:

• Physical factors: High/low temperatures, mechanical injuries, ultraviolet radiation, radiation, etc.;
• Chemical factors: Acids, alkalis, strong oxidizers, etc.;
• Tissue necrosis: Ischemia or hypoxia leading to tissue necrosis;
• Immune factors: Immune dysfunction can also cause aseptic inflammation, such as in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Who is prone to aseptic inflammation?

It can occur in people of any age, with no gender difference.

What are the symptoms of aseptic inflammation?

• Pain: Persistent dull pain in the affected area;
• Functional impairment: Restricted function of the affected organ, such as limited arm movement due to frozen shoulder.

How is aseptic inflammation diagnosed?

• Clinical examination: Assessing pain symptoms and organ function to identify the affected area;
• Blood tests: Complete blood count, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, procalcitonin, etc., to distinguish between infectious and aseptic inflammation and evaluate severity;
• CT/MRI: Imaging like knee MRI or sacroiliac joint CT to determine the extent of inflammation and structural damage.

How is aseptic inflammation treated?

• Remove the cause: Eliminate triggers like mechanical trauma, extreme temperatures, or chronic strain;
• Symptom relief: Use immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatory analgesics, or steroids; therapies like infrared or laser may also help;
• Tissue repair: Vitamins, collagen, or calcium supplements to aid recovery of damaged tissues.

What are the potential consequences of aseptic inflammation?

Prognosis depends on the cause. Aseptic inflammation due to physical, chemical, or necrotic factors usually resolves quickly once triggers are removed. Immune-related cases, however, often have a longer course, lasting years or even a lifetime.

It may lead to functional impairment or disability (e.g., finger deformities, spinal stiffness, kidney dysfunction), significantly affecting daily life.

How to prevent aseptic inflammation?

• Avoid risk factors: Extreme temperatures, UV/radiation, strong acids/alkalis;
• Moderate physical activity: Prevent overuse injuries like muscle strains;
• Balance work and rest: Change postures regularly for prolonged static work;
• Ensure adequate rest and avoid fatigue;
• Maintain a positive, healthy mindset.