Inflammation is a defensive response of the body's immune system to external stimuli capable of maintaining tissue homeostasis under various harmful conditions. Inflammation is the body 's immune system 's defensive response to external stimuli capable of maintaining tissue homeostasis under various harmful conditions. However the side effect of the inflammatory response is a temporary decrease in tissue function which is one of the mechanisms underlying many diseases. Therefore when inflammation is excessive or persistent it can promote the development of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease malignant tumors diabetes chronic kidney disease and non - alcoholic fatty liver disease. Human life process is closely related to inflammation. Inflammation is not only a protective factor but also a potentially pathogenic factor that runs throughout the entire life cycle. Therefore it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of inflammation and to take measures to mitigate its impact on health. The purpose of this review is to systematically review the progress of inflammation. By systematically discussing the history of inflammation theory the pattern of inflammation the classification of inflammation the role of inflammation and the regulation of inflammation we hope to provide new ideas and directions for the intervention and treatment of inflammation-related diseases.