When we get an infection, such as the common cold for example, why do some parts of the body such as the throat become inflammed?

Question

When we get an infection, such as the common cold for example, why do some parts of the body such as the throat become inflammed?

In: Biology

Answer 1

When you get an infection like the common cold, your body’s immune system kicks in to fight off the germs. Inflammation happens because your immune system sends extra blood and immune cells to the infected area to help fight the infection. For example, if your throat is infected, your body sends immune cells there to attack the virus. This extra activity causes swelling, redness, and sometimes pain—these are all signs of inflammation. It’s your body’s way of trying to heal and protect itself.