The appendix is one of those organs that seems to do more harm than good. With the prevalence of appendicitis cases in the population, around 7%, why did we develop an appendix in the first place? As young children, the appendix aids in immune response. Adults possess a more developed immune system, allowing them to rely less on the appendix to fight off pathogens. The appendix also plays a role in maintaining a healthy gut biome, as it can provide a safehouse for bacteria. It’s evident that the appendix has a relatively minor function throughout the body, as depicted in the ability to live a relatively healthy life without one. This poses the question, should we remove our appendix as a preventative measure? The short answer is no. The appendix can be useful in reconstructive surgery when organs, such as the bladder or ureter, are damaged.
However, despite its beneficial roles in immunity, gut health, and reconstruction, our appendix also possesses the ability to kill us. This can occur when the appendix becomes inflamed, which is diagnosed as an appendicitis. An appendicitis begins when an infection develops within the digestive tract. It can also be caused by a blockage in the large intestine or, in extreme cases, by tumors. When the appendix becomes inflamed, blood circulation becomes limited, which can cause the appendix to rupture. This allows stool, mucus, and bacteria to be expelled throughout the body cavity. A ruptured appendix imposes a serious risk of infection, and must be removed immediately.
An appendicitis is diagnosed by pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, bloating, and flatulence. This is a sign that your appendix may be trying to kill you. If you experience these symptoms, you must murder your appendix before it gets the chance to murder you via an appendectomy. If you are not experiencing symptoms, there is no reason to believe your appendix is actively trying to kill you. It’s best to continue to live out your normal life, but stay vigilant of certain temperamental organs.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/773895-overview
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/appendicitis
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/your-appendix-could-save-your-life/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369543
I am in fact always worried that any abdominal pain that I feel is my appendix trying to kill me. They usually say that appendicitis is some of the worst pain that people can experience, however, this past year my mother's appendix ruptured and she was able to wait out the pain for about two weeks. Maybe she is just a super tough woman and the pain had nothing on her. Anyways, I digress.
ReplyDeleteI never knew what the function of the appendix was. I had always thought that no matter how old someone was, the appendix was always useless. It is interesting to learn that the appendix aids the immune response in children, yet it also provides a house for healthy gut bacteria in adults. The most interesting fact that you brought up was that the appendix can be used for reconstructive gut surgeries. This makes me wonder what kinds of surgeries the appendix can be useful in. Upon further digging, I was able to find that the appendix can be used to replace sphincters and ureters in the bladder that can no longer function properly. It is crazy to think that an organ that is most commonly known for being useless can have so many beneficial applications.
What is the function of the human appendix? Did it once have a purpose that has since been lost? (n.d.). Scientific American. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-the-human-appendix-did-it-once-have-a-purpose-that-has-since-been-lost/#:~:text=In%20such%20surgery%2C%20a%20section