According to Science Daily, there is new research that indicates that there is actually link between increased exposure to air pollution and an increased risk for developing appendicitis. The research presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando shows that indeed, there is a connection between the two seemingly unrelated factors. The American College of Gastroenterology is comprised over 10,000 members who seek to find the cause, treat, and prevent several different digestive tract and organ conditions and diseases, regardless of how common or uncommon they may be.
The appendix is an organ connected to the large intestine whose purpose is still unknown to health care professionals. Many surgeries have been done to remove the organ before it bursts and causes death, and it seems we are doing fine without it. Until professionals determine that we do not truly need the organ, it is a surgery you should avoid until you must face it, if at all.
Appendicitis is something that requires research as scientists and health care professional still are unclear of its cause, particularly when it occurs in adults. Through monitoring air pollution levels and hospital admission rates—caused by the need for surgery to alleviate the appendicitis, researchers found that more hospital admissions happened on the days when the atmosphere was high in ozone. The ozone particles seem to have the highest impact on appendicitis in terms of air pollutants that connect the two. Other air pollutants that support a higher risk for appendicitis are sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, though the risk is lower than ozone, which seems to increase the risk by as much as 15%.
Once a solid relationship between air quality and appendicitis is confirmed, it is speculated that a reduction in air pollutants to improve the overall air quality will contribute not only to a healthier world in general, but a great reduction in the number of cases of appendicitis that are seen today.