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.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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