Appendix why

According to this line of thinking, the role of the appendix is to store good bacteria when the colon is being flushed out, so that it can reintroduce the good bacteria into the colon before the bad bacteria takes control.

The appendix therefore helps maintain healthy gut flora and is not vestigial. In fact, recent research into the evolution of the appendix has revealed a complex winding path through history that does not fit the old vestigial-structure storyline.

Smith and various collaborators at the University of Arizona have stated ,. Note that the fact that the appendix has a purpose in no way disproves evolution or the concept of vestigial structures. There are plenty of other vestigial structures in animals to give these concepts a sound footing.

More about Biology Health Anatomy Evolution. Already subscribed? Log in. Forgotten your password? Want an ad-free experience? Someone suffering from symptoms of appendicitis should go to the nearest emergency department that has a surgeon on call. Waiting can lead to a more-difficult surgery, longer time in the hospital and other complications. However, without treatment, pus will begin to collect inside the abdomen, creating abscesses and inflammation that make immediate surgery difficult.

The intestines all stick together, which makes going in to do surgery more problematic. During these situations, Rodriguez says surgeons often treat the infection with intravenous IV antibiotics and remove the appendix within six to eight weeks. Surgery is the preferred treatment for appendicitis, as it is considered the most efficient method to getting patients on the quickest road to recovery.

Most patients with early appendicitis will go home the same day of the surgery or the next day. While some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort around the surgical incisions can be expected, Rodriguez says most people are able to walk and eat after surgery, and are back to work or school within a week.

Newer studies have shown recurrence rates of appendicitis in patients treated with antibiotics may be higher than what were initially thought, but Rodriguez says it is still a safe alternative to surgery in certain instances. Other Common Questions Concerning the Appendix. Why do we have an appendix? Because of this, appendicitis is a medical emergency.

If you have symptoms, see a doctor right away to avoid more infection, which can be life-threatening. Appendicitis happens when the inside of your appendix is blocked. Appendicitis may be caused by various infections such as virus, bacteria, or parasites, in your digestive tract. Or it may happen when the tube that joins your large intestine and appendix is blocked or trapped by stool.

Sometimes tumors can cause appendicitis. The appendix then becomes sore and swollen. The blood supply to the appendix stops as the swelling and soreness get worse. Without enough blood flow, the appendix starts to die.

The appendix can burst or develop holes or tears in its walls, which allow stool, mucus, and infection to leak through and get inside the belly.

The result can be peritonitis, a serious infection. Do not take pain medicines. They may hide other symptoms your healthcare provider needs to know about. Appendicitis symptoms may look like other health problems.

Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider will ask about your past health and do a physical exam. He or she may also have you take the following tests:. If your appendix has not burst then your recovery from an appendectomy will only take a few days. If your appendix has burst, your recovery time will be longer and you will need antibiotic medicine.

You can live a normal life without your appendix. Changes in diet or exercise are usually not needed. Health Home Conditions and Diseases.