What term describes short-lived inflammation?

The term that describes short-lived inflammation is "acute." Acute inflammation is a rapid and immediate response to injury or infection that typically lasts for a short duration, often resolving within days to a few weeks. This type of inflammation is characterized by the classic signs of redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function, and is part of the body's natural healing process.

Acute inflammation is essential for the body to effectively respond to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or tissue injury, allowing for quick repair and recovery. In contrast, chronic inflammation persists over a longer period, often due to continuous exposure to irritants or ongoing health issues, leading to more severe tissue damage. The other terms, such as localized and generalized, refer to the extent or distribution of the inflammation rather than its duration, reinforcing that the defining characteristic of acute inflammation is its brief and self-limiting nature.