Smog Bad for Your Appendix: Study

Researchers saw more cases of appendicitis on days with poor air quality

By Sarah Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 6, 2008 3:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – Pollution may boost your chances of getting appendicitis, the BBC reports. A Canadian study suggests that human tissue—such as the appendix—gets more inflamed on days when the ozone level is high; patients were 15% more likely to be hospitalized on bad-air days, researchers found. Infections can cause appendicitis—when the appendix gets inflamed and fills with pus—but sometimes there's no explanation.

Other pollutants also affect hospitalization rates, but not as much. Past studies have shown a link between air pollution and inflammation, and this moves researchers a step closer to figuring it out. “If the relationship between air pollution and appendicitis is confirmed, then improving air quality may prevent the occurrence of appendicitis in some individuals,” one said.

China's National Stadium and National Aquatics Center, left, are seen through pollution in Beijing, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo)

Smokestacks are seen at a Chevron oil refinery in Richmond, Calif., April 21, 2008. (AP Photo)

A Chinese demonstrator wears a face mask as she protests bad air quality in Beijing, Sept. 20, 2008. (AP Photo)

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Gassy Kudzu Choking South

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Calif. Town Is Nation's Smoggiest

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High-level areas like LA face 50% increase in risk of death from respiratory illness

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Despite traffic restrictions, skies hazy as always

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Despite vows, not much change on air quality, political freedom

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

pollution • surgery • smog • ozone • air pollution • appendicitis

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Gassy Kudzu Choking South

Quick-spreading vine emitting greenhouse gas

Calif. Town Is Nation's Smoggiest

Air above tiny Arvin is a magnet for pollutants

Ozone Kills, Slowly: Study

High-level areas like LA face 50% increase in risk of death from respiratory illness

Heavy Smog Greets Olympians

Despite traffic restrictions, skies hazy as always

China Falls Behind on Olympic Promises

Despite vows, not much change on air quality, political freedom

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