Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Intussusception
Description (Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician.)
Intussusception occurs when one portion of the intestine
folds in on itself, much like a collapsing telescope, and
puts pressure on another part of the intestine.
The main symptom is sudden, severe abdominal pain. The pain
comes and goes and lasts seconds to minutes. The waves of
pain occur every 5 to 15 minutes. During attacks of pain
the child will cry or scream. Between attacks of pain the
child may appear to be well.
Other possible symptoms, in addition to pain, are:
- vomiting
- bloody stools
- pale skin.
Intussusception is most common between 6 months and 2 years
of age, but it can occur at any age.
Cause
The exact cause of intussusception is not known. It
sometimes happens when a child has a cold or other viral
illness associated with swollen glands. There are glands
located in the wall of the intestine and swelling of these
glands can cause the bowel to telescope.
When the bowel telescopes, there is less blood flow to the
intestine. The decreased blood flow causes pain and bloody
stools. The intestine can also become blocked, which can
cause the child to vomit.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask a few questions about your child's
medical history and recent symptoms. If he or she suspects
intussusception, your child will be admitted to the hospital
for treatment.
Treatment
- Rehydration
If your child's bowel is blocked, it may be difficult
for your child to absorb fluids. Your child will be
given some fluids intravenously (through a vein). Your
child probably will have a tube placed through the nose
down into the stomach to help control vomiting.
- Barium or air enema
The most important part of the treatment is getting your
child's intestines back to their usual position. This
can often be done by giving the child a special x-ray
test called a barium enema or an air enema.
During an enema a tube is put into into the child's
rectum. A barium solution (and/or air, if it is an air
enema) is passed through the tube while a technician
takes several x-rays. This test does two things. It
helps the doctor see what is wrong by showing an x-ray
picture of exactly where the problem is in your child's
intestine. It also treats the illness because the
solution and/or air from the enema gently forces the
telescoped part of the child's bowel back to where it
belongs.
The enema should take about only 10 minutes. During the
test your child may feel some cramping pain.
If the enema is successful, your child will not need
further treatment. He or she will be observed for a
short period of time in the hospital to make sure that
the condition does not recur.
- Surgery
If the barium or air enema is not successful in fixing
the problem, or if your child is extremely unwell
because of the intussusception, your child will need
surgery. During the operation the surgeon will gently
unfold the telescoped bowel and return everything to its
normal position.
Home Care
Once your child has been treated and discharged, there are
no specific things that you have to do at home. Your child
may eat and drink normally and should be encouraged to
return to his or her usual level of activity. Although
intussusception recurs in only 5% to 10% of all cases, it is
important to watch for the return of any of the symptoms.
Call Your Child's Physician IMMEDIATELY If:
- Your child begins to have abdominal pain that comes and
goes.
- Your child vomits.
- Your child becomes extremely lethargic (sluggish).
- Your child passes any bloody stools.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call Your Child's Physician During Office Hours If:
- You have other questions or concerns.
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