Why Your Appendix Might Be More Useful Than You Think

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00:00Why your appendix might be more useful than you think.

00:04The appendix is a small organ situated between the small and large intestines.

00:09For a long time, scientists didn't know its function and deemed it useless.

00:14However, new research is revealing important functions.

00:17But it turns out, recent research shows it does have functions that can help us, Smith

00:22said to NPR.

00:25The appendix serves two main roles, supporting immune responses in the gut.

00:29And storing beneficial digestive bacteria that can recolonize the system after infections.

00:36So the appendix is kind of helping us in two ways, both within the gut.

00:41It's helping to fight off invading pathogens, but also to repopulate the gut with this beneficial

00:47bacteria after gastrointestinal issues, said Smith.

00:52Appendicitis often results from obstructions like tumors or foreign objects, leading to

00:57infection and potential rupture, causing sepsis and death.

01:02Studies connect appendectomies with lower ulcerative colitis risk, especially before age 20, yet

01:08are now discouraged due to the appendix's benefits.

01:12Studies have shown that infections with the really bad and nasty bacteria C. diff tend to

01:18be higher in people who have had their appendix removed, explained Smith.

01:22Appendicitis at a young age is clearly beneficial by strengthening the education of the immune

01:28system and enabling it to fight any subsequent infection more effectively.

01:33Clarified Researcher Eric Auger Denise.

01:36For non-rupturing appendicitis, doctors may prescribe antibiotics rather than surgery, though recurrence

01:44is possible.

01:46Appendicitis symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and fever, requiring

01:51immediate medical attention if suspected.