10793 Intussusception

Overview

Intussusception is a rare but serious condition where one part of the intestine slides into the part next to it, like a telescope. This blocks food and fluid from passing through, and can cut off blood flow to the affected section. It needs urgent medical care.

Intussusception is not common. In children, it affects about 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 4,000. It is the most common cause of intestinal blockage in children between 6 months and 3 years old.

It mostly affects babies and young children, especially between 6 months and 3 years old. It can also occur in older children, teenagers, and adults, though less often.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Abdominal pain that comes and goes (often in waves)
• Vomiting (sometimes yellow or green)
• Stool mixed with blood and mucus (described like currant jelly)
• A lump in the abdomen
• Lethargy or low energy
• Pale or sweaty appearance

Symptoms in children

• Sudden, loud crying with knees pulled up
• Pain that comes and goes, often every 15–20 minutes
• Vomiting
• Bloody, jelly-like stool
• Drowsiness or irritability between pain episodes

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that may be more constant than cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in the stool
• Feeling bloated or full

Causes

Main causes

• In children, often no clear cause is found
• An infection or swelling in the intestine can trigger it
• In older adults, a growth (like a polyp or tumor) in the intestine can act as a lead point
• Sometimes it happens without any obvious reason

Risk factors

• Age under 3 years
• Being male (slightly more common in boys)
• Certain viral infections
• A family history of intussusception (rare)
• Some medical conditions affecting the intestine (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
• After surgery to the abdomen (in some cases)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Vomiting with blood or bile
• Bloody stool
• Signs of dehydration
• Extreme tiredness or unresponsiveness

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your child has repeated episodes of cramping pain with no other cause
• If you notice a small amount of blood in the stool
• If you have constipation or changes in bowel habits that persist

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the belly. To confirm the diagnosis, they usually use imaging tests.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound of the abdomen (uses sound waves to make a picture)
• Air or contrast enema (a safe liquid or gas is put into the intestines through the rectum; this can also treat intussusception in some cases)
• CT scan (a special X-ray that creates detailed images)

What to expect at your appointment

If your doctor suspects intussusception, you will be sent to a hospital emergency department. Tests are done quickly because treating early is important. A specialist will explain the results and the next steps.

Treatment

Intussusception is treated in the hospital, often in an emergency or pediatric unit. The main goal is to ease the blockage and restore normal blood flow to the intestine.

Self-care at home

• Do not give your child any medication for pain without asking a doctor first (some pain relievers can make symptoms worse)
• Do not try to force food or drink if the person is vomiting
• Keep a close eye on symptoms and seek medical help if they get worse

Medical treatments

The most common treatment is an air or contrast enema, which is also used to diagnose the condition. A doctor puts a small tube into the rectum and gently pushes air or a special liquid through the intestine to guide the folded section back into place. This works in many children. If it does not work, or if the intestine is damaged, surgery may be needed.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is needed if the enema cannot fix the intussusception, if the intestine has torn (perforated), if blood flow to the intestine is blocked, or if an older adult has a lead point like a tumor that needs to be removed.

Living with this condition

After successful treatment, most people go home within a day or two. Your child may be tired and have mild discomfort for a few days. You will be given advice on what to watch for, such as return of pain, vomiting, or blood in stool.

Lifestyle tips

• Give the body time to heal and rest
• Follow your doctor's advice on when it is safe to return to normal activities or school
• Offer small, light meals if appetite is low

Diet and exercise

You can usually start eating and drinking as soon as the medical team says it is safe. Begin with small sips of water or clear fluids, then bland foods like toast or soup. Avoid heavy or spicy meals for a few days. After recovery, a normal balanced diet and regular physical activity are encouraged.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A hospital visit and treatment can be stressful for both the child and the parents. It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Talk to your child in a calm way, use comfort, and ask nurses for emotional support. For older adults, this condition can feel frightening; having a trusted relative or friend to talk to helps.

Prevention

In most cases, intussusception cannot be prevented. There is no known way to stop it from happening, especially in children.

Vaccines

Some studies suggest that certain vaccines (like for rotavirus) may slightly change the risk, but they are not a direct cause. Always follow the recommended vaccination schedule.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for intussusception.

Complications

If left untreated

• Without treatment, the intestine can lose blood flow, become torn (perforated) or infected
• It can cause severe infection of the abdominal lining (peritonitis)
• It can lead to shock and become life-threatening

Long-term outlook

With early diagnosis and treatment, recovery is usually complete. Most children who are treated do very well and have no long-term problems. In older adults, treating the cause (such as a polyp) is usually successful, and the outlook depends on the underlying condition. The key is to get help quickly.

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