What causes inflammation in your body?

Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection. It helps to protect the body from harm and promote healing. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

These are the most common:

  • Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi
  • External injuries like scrapes or damage through foreign objects (for example a thorn in your finger)
  • Effects of chemicals or radiation

There are a number of things that can cause inflammation in the body, including:

  • Infections: Bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens can all trigger inflammation. This is because the body’s immune system releases chemicals to fight off the infection, which can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
  • Injuries: When a tissue is injured, the body’s immune system also releases chemicals to help heal the wound. This can also cause inflammation.
  • Autoimmune diseases: In autoimmune diseases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This can cause chronic inflammation.
  • Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to develop inflammatory diseases.
  • Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, a diet high in processed foods and sugar, and a lack of exercise, can also contribute to inflammation.

Diseases or medical conditions that cause inflammation often have a name ending in “-itis.” For example:

  • Cystitis: an inflammation of the bladder
  • Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi
  • Otitis media: an inflammation of the middle ear
  • Dermatitis: a disease where the skin is inflamed

Symptoms of inflammation

The symptoms of inflammation can vary depending on the cause and location of the inflammation. However, some common symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Warmth
  • Loss of function

Treatment for inflammation

The treatment for inflammation will vary depending on the cause. In some cases, such as with an infection, the inflammation will go away on its own. In other cases, such as with an autoimmune disease, medication may be needed to control the inflammation.

Preventing inflammation

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent inflammation, including:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Managing stress
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

If you are concerned that you may have inflammation, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment plan for you.

Additional information about inflammation in Canada

According to the Chronic Inflammation of the Gut, Liver and Joints project, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, there are over 20 million Canadians living with chronic inflammation. This number is expected to increase as the population ages.

The Canadian Arthritis Society estimates that over 6 million Canadians have arthritis, an inflammatory disease that affects the joints.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada estimates that over 260,000 Canadians have inflammatory bowel disease, a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract.

Inflammation is a complex process that can have a serious impact on health. If you are concerned that you may have inflammation, talk to your doctor. There are a number of things you can do to prevent and treat inflammation.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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