Researchers Connect Pollution to Appendicitis

2009-10-06 02:06:52 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

New research suggests pollution is linked to appendicitis.

A new study links air pollution to appendicitis.

Press Release Service – Wired PR News – Researchers suggest appendicitis could be caused by pollution in the air. As reported by HealthDay News, a new study identified an increase in cases of the condition during instances where the air is more polluted.

Dr. Gilaad G. Kaplan, senior study author and University of Calgary in Alberta assistant professor of medicine, is quoted in the report as stating of the findings, “We found that individuals were more likely to come in with appendicitis in weeks with higher concentrations of air pollutants, specifically ozone and nitrogen dioxide… It’s speculative, but air pollution might be driving inflammation which triggers appendicitis… We’re a few steps away before we can make that statement. We need to confirm and replicate these findings.”

Kaplan further noted, “This makes us think about the underlying cause of appendicitis that could potentially be linked to air pollution… Air pollution is a modifiable risk factor. If these findings are confirmed and we are able to legislate better air pollution control, cleaner air, then potentially we could prevent more cases of appendicitis.”

More information about the study may be found in the Oct. 5 publication of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

WiredPRNews.com – The latest in Health News

Photo Credit: Wikipedia User Mikael Häggström