Intussusception (children)
Symptoms
The first sign of intussusception is usually sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. The pain is colicky and not continuous (intermittent), but it comes back often, increasing in both intensity and duration.
An infant with severe abdominal pain may draw the knees to the chest while crying.
Other symptoms include:
- Bloody, mucus-like bowel movement, sometimes called a "currant jelly" stool
- Fever
- Shock (pale color, lethargy, sweating)
- Stool mixed with blood and mucus
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination, which may reveal a mass in the abdomen. There may also be signs of dehydration or shock.
Tests may include:
- Abdominal x-ray
- Air or contrast enema
References
Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF. Kliegman: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.
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