Foreign body reaction

A Foreign body reaction describes the reaction of the organism to the penetration of a substance or an object. Mostly these are defense reactions that occur locally. Severe defense reactions, such as an infection, can be potentially life-threatening.

What is a foreign body reaction?

The term “foreign body reaction” is understood by medical professionals as the reaction of the human organism to the penetration of a foreign object or substance. Only solid objects such as objects or solid substances such as asbestos or soot can cause a foreign body reaction.

The penetration of the foreign body occurs through an accident, an attack, an operation or through the accidental inhalation of corresponding particles. The body's reactions are then often locally limited to the area in which the foreign body or bodies are located and can vary in strength.

If it is an object that has penetrated the organism, the skin, flesh and muscles in the respective region are injured and show a defensive reaction. If a foreign substance has been inhaled, the defense is initially limited to the respiratory organs. Implants can also cause a foreign body reaction.

It is not uncommon for the immunological defense reactions to lead to more or less severe inflammations, which can significantly impair the general condition of the patient. If these are left untreated, the foreign body reactions can, in the worst case, lead to death.

Function & task

A foreign body reaction is a protective mechanism used by the body to defend itself against objects that penetrate the skin, tissue or organs. The organism is quickly able to recognize a foreign body and tries to reject it by all means. This is important in that potentially dangerous substances and objects are rejected or excreted before they can harm the body. It is especially the cells in the so-called MPS (Mononuclear Phagocyte System) that are responsible for the defense.

If it is not possible to repel or break down the foreign body, these will increasingly surround the object and form so-called foreign body granulomas. These are new tissue that is specifically formed and encapsulates the foreign body so that it is separated from the rest of the organism.

In most cases there is an acute inflammation around the penetrated object or substance. The immune system runs at full speed during this time and tries everything to get rid of the intruder. The associated inflammation can lead to clearly visible reddening, pus formation, fever and increased pain in open wounds.

If the organism detects a foreign body, for example in the airways, it reacts with coughing, shortness of breath, fever and the formation of mucus or purulent sputum. In this way, ideally, it is able to reject, excrete or biodegrade the foreign body.

Of course, medicine can also help to support the body's defenses and remove the foreign body or substance so that the inflammation can subside and the immune system can function normally again. In the case of very small objects or fine substances, the patient often does not even notice the intrusion, and it is only the foreign body reaction that draws his attention to it. Particularly in the case of severe inflammation, a significantly impaired general condition and persistent complaints, it is advisable to consult a doctor or a hospital as soon as possible in order to avoid a chronic development of the inflammation.

Illnesses & ailments

Foreign body reactions can sometimes be severe and severely impair the patient's health. In the worst case scenario, serious infections can have life-threatening consequences, especially if they are not treated or treated too late. If individual limbs are affected by a severe acute or chronic infection, there is a risk of amputation in order to prevent them from spreading to the entire organism.

In the early stages, inflammation caused by the entry of a foreign body can be treated with antibiotics and strict hygiene. Before doing this, however, the foreign body should be removed in a controlled manner (if necessary as part of a surgical procedure).

If foreign substances have been inhaled, this can lead to a significant impairment of breathing. Asbestosis occurs after accidentally inhaling asbestos. It quickly becomes chronic and is characterized by unspecific symptoms. Soot and other dusts often cause so-called pneumonia in the respiratory organs, which can lead to shortness of breath and reduced lung volume. X-rays of the organ reveal changes in the lung tissue.

But foreign bodies that are deliberately introduced into the human body, such as artificial joints or breast implants, can lead to undesirable defense reactions. If the implants are rejected by the immune system, inflammation also occurs here, which is accompanied by fever, pain and swelling. If the implant is not removed or replaced promptly, capsular contracture can develop. These hard connective tissue nodules can be surgically removed if they cause discomfort to the patient. Capsular contractures are especially common after breast augmentation.

In the case of joint prostheses, the abrasion of the implant can also lead to foreign body reactions. This can lead to loosening of the joint socket over a longer period of time, which requires further surgical interventions. If prostheses are not accepted by the organism, this leads in many cases to pain, which can also be chronic. This significantly limits the patient's mobility. If the symptoms do not subside, the implant must be removed.