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Appendicitis

Description

Called sudden appendicitis inflammation or swelling of the appendix. The appendix is a tube-like structure that starts from where the large intestine (colon) begins. It is the size of a pencil and is normally about 7 cm (4 inches).

For many years, scientists were unsure of the function of the appendix in the body. We now know that it helps make immunoglobulins, substances that are part of the immune system. Immunoglobulins are made in many parts of the body. Thus, the removal of the appendix does not seem to result from immune system problems.

Today, appendicitis is rarely fatal, through the use of antibiotics and surgery safely. It affects 1 in 15 people and is more often men than women. It affects very few children often below 3 years and occurs most commonly between 10 and 30 years. Read the rest of this entry »