Appendicitis: An Exploration of Evolutionary and Proximate Causes

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Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a tube-like glandular structure that connects to the first part of the large intestine, located at the lower right portion of the abdomen (kidshealth). Once the inflamation begins, there is no effective therapy or method for the healing of the appendix. It is then considered a emergency once inflamed. Appendicitis is now considered a common problem and medical procedure. It commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 30, posing risk to nearly anybody.
Appendicitis is interesting from a Darwinian perspective concerning vestigial structure. Theorists indicate that the appendix is product of genetics and evolution. They state that a smaller appendix may be prone to causing appendicitis (littletree).

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source:http://www.mayoclinic.com/images/image_popup/r7_appendicitis.jpg

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of appendicitis include:
-Pain in the abdomen
-Vomiting
-Fever
for more symptoms go to:
http://www.hipusa.com/eTools/webmd/A-Z_Encyclopedia/appendicitissymptoms.htm

PROXIMATE CAUSES



Proximate causes of appendicitis include:
-Blockage inside of the appendix, this can lead to several occurrences; increased pressure, impaired blood flow, and inflamation. If inflamation is not treated immediately a rupture of the appendix can result.
-Infection of the digestive tract can place pressure on lymph nodes causing a squeezing effect on the appendix and creating irritation.
-An injury to the abdomen can spark a reaction with the appendix
-Blood clots can also cause appendicitis

EVOLUTIONARY CAUSES
The evolutionary cause associated with appendicitis is genes (Nesse, 164-165). With advancements in medicine and technology, appendicitis is no longer considered as fatal as it once was. This in essence would naturally sort out the weak by killing off those with smaller appendix. While those with smaller appendix die off and those with larger, healthier appendix pass on their genes, the appendix is then considered vestigial. This ultimately causing smaller appendix through natural selection. This selection process eventually lends itself to the maximization of reproduction success of genes, though health may be compromised in the end.

TREATMENT
Appendicitis can be treated by two methods. The first method depends on the state appendix. If the appendix has not yet come to a surgical state antibiotics or intravenous can be administered. If the appendix has reached infection surgery will be needed and considered emergency. Once surgery has been determined, there are several methods. If the appendix has not yet ruptured a laparoscopic appendectomy can be done. This involves 3-4 tiny incisions to remove and observe the appendix. If the appendix has already ruptured, one 3-5inch incision will be made in the right side of the abdomen to remove appendix completely. By changing the course of this treatment evolutionary causes can proceed and eventually the appendix would be able to disappear naturally.

References:
Ilanit Tof, 1994. Littletree.com [online]. Available from:
http://www.littletree.com.au/drdarwin.htm Accessed 2004 Oct 23.

Randolph M. Nesse, M.D. and George C. Williams, PH.D. 1994 'Why We Get Sick, The New Science of Darwinian Medicine.' New York: Random House.

Rutherford Kim. 2001. Kidshealth.org [online]. Available from:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/stomach/appendicitis.html Accessed Oct 24.