Scientists and medical doctors have always stated that the appendix does not have a function. They believed that the appendix may have once had a function, but it does not have one now. However, new research has shown that the appendix does have a function.
It is estimated that 7 percent of people in America have had their appendix removed. They have to get their appendix removed due to appendicitis, which is a condition where the appendix is inflamed. This is a serious condition that can lead to death if the appendix is not removed. Most of these people do not have any complications from it. This is another reason that doctors and scientists did not believe that the appendix served a purpose.
Scientists have found that the appendix may prevent bacteria from entering the intestines. There is a severe bacterial infection called dysentery that can cause diarrhea. Scientists believe that this infection removes good bacteria. The good bacteria will come back once the infection is cleared. The appendix may have good bacteria.
It is rare for people to get dysentery in the United States. However, it is common for people to get this infection in developing countries. This is often due to the unsanitary conditions that people in third-world countries live in.
Researchers also believe that the appendix may benefit the immune system and lymphatic system. There are immune cells and lymphatic cells in the appendix. Furthermore, there are health risks that are associated with removing the appendix.
People who have their appendix removed are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease. This is an autoimmune disease affects the bowel. If you develop appendicitis, then it is not your fault. It occurs as the result of bad luck. There really is not anything that you can do to keep your appendix healthy.
