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Inflammation is a process by which the body\u2019s white blood cells and chemicals protect us from infection and foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.\n\nWhen inflammation occurs normally, chemicals from the body\u2019s white blood cells are released to protect us from foreign substances. Sometimes, however, the white blood cells and their inflammatory chemicals cause damage to the body\u2019s tissues.\n\nIn some diseases, however, the body\u2019s defense system (immune system) inappropriately triggers an inflammatory response when there are no foreign substances to fight off. In these diseases, called autoimmune diseases, the body\u2019s normally protective immune system causes damage to its own tissues. The body responds as if normal tissues are infected or somehow abnormal. Tune in Wednesday at 7PM est FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.