The distinction between acute and chronic inflammation lies primarily in duration and the nature of response. Acute inflammation is a short-term response, typically appearing within minutes or hours following an injury or infection. It’s characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and often pain at the affected site, serving a protective role by eliminating the initial cause of cell injury and initiating tissue repair. On the other hand, chronic inflammation is a prolonged and persistent form of inflammation that can last for several months or even years. It occurs when the body fails to eliminate the cause of inflammation, or an autoimmune response leads the body to attack healthy tissues. Persistent inflammation has the potential to contribute to various diseases and conditions, such as certain types of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.