Which symptom is not associated with inflammation?

Pus is not typically classified as a direct symptom of inflammation itself but rather as a byproduct that can occur during an inflammatory response, particularly when an infection is present. Inflammation is characterized by a series of physiological changes which aim to protect the body from harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.

The hallmark symptoms of inflammation include heat, pain, and swelling. Heat results from increased blood flow to the inflamed area, which is part of the body’s response to bring more immune cells to the site of injury. Pain is caused by the release of chemicals that sensitize nerve endings, signaling to the body that something is wrong. Swelling occurs due to an accumulation of fluid and immune cells in the tissue, which is another function of the inflammatory response.

While pus can be present due to the accumulation of dead immune cells and tissue debris from an infection, it is not a fundamental characteristic of the inflammatory process itself and is therefore not recognized as a primary symptom of inflammation. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of inflammation and its signs.