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==What are the symptoms of Intussusception?== | ==What are the symptoms of Intussusception?== | ||
* The first sign of intussusception is usually sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. | * 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. | * 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. | * An [[infant]] with severe [[abdominal pain]] may draw the knees to the chest while crying. | ||
* Other symptoms include: | * Other [[symptoms]] include: | ||
* Bloody, mucus-like bowel movement, sometimes called a "currant jelly" stool | * Bloody, mucus-like [[bowel movement]], sometimes called a "currant jelly" [[stool]] | ||
* [[Fever]] | * [[Fever]] | ||
* [[Shock]] (pale color, lethargy, sweating) | * [[Shock]] (pale color, lethargy, sweating) | ||
* Stool mixed with blood and mucus | * Stool mixed with [[blood]] and [[mucus]] | ||
* Vomiting | * [[Vomiting]] | ||
==What are the causes of Intussusception?== | ==What are the causes of Intussusception?== | ||
* Intussusception is caused by part of the intestine being pulled inward into itself. This can block the passage of food through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the segment of intestine pulled inside can die. | * Intussusception is caused by part of the [[intestine]] being pulled inward into itself. This can block the passage of food through the [[intestine]]. If the [[blood]] supply is cut off, the segment of [[intestine]] pulled inside can die. | ||
* The pressure created by the walls of the intestine pressing together causes: | * The pressure created by the walls of the [[intestine]] pressing together causes: | ||
** Decreased blood flow | ** Decreased [[blood flow]] | ||
** Irritation | ** Irritation | ||
** Swelling | ** [[Swelling]] | ||
* The intestine can die, and the patient can have significant bleeding. If a hole occurs, [[infection]], [[shock]], and [[dehydration]] can take place very rapidly. | * The intestine can die, and the patient can have significant bleeding. If a hole occurs, [[infection]], [[shock]], and [[dehydration]] can take place very rapidly. | ||
* The cause of intussusception is not known, although viral infections may be responsible in some cases. | * The cause of intussusception is not known, although [[viral infections]] may be responsible in some cases. | ||
* Sometimes a [[lymph node]], [[polyp]], or [[tumor]] can trigger the problem. The older the child, the more likely such a trigger will be found. | * Sometimes a [[lymph node]], [[polyp]], or [[tumor]] can trigger the problem. The older the child, the more likely such a trigger will be found. | ||
==Who is at risk for Intussusception?== | ==Who is at risk for Intussusception?== | ||
Risk | Risk factors: | ||
*Age: Intussusception can affect both children and adults, although most cases occur in children ages 6 months - 2 years | *Age: Intussusception can affect both children and adults, although most cases occur in children ages 6 months - 2 years | ||
*Gender: It affects boys four times as often as girls | *Gender: It affects boys four times as often as girls | ||
==How to know you have Intussusception (Diagnosis)?== | ==How to know you have Intussusception (Diagnosis)?== | ||
Your doctor will perform a thorough examination, which may reveal a mass in the abdomen. There may also be signs of [[dehydration]] or [[shock]]. | 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: | Tests may include: | ||
* [[Abdominal x-ray]] | * [[Abdominal x-ray]] | ||
* Air or [[contrast enema]] | * Air or [[Contrast medium|contrast]] [[enema]] | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care== | ==When to seek urgent medical care== | ||
Intussusception is an | Intussusception is an emergency. Call your health care provider immediately, then call 911 or go immediately to the emergency room. | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
* The child will first be stabilized. A tube will be passed into the stomach through the nose ([[nasogastric tube]]). | * The child will first be stabilized. A tube will be passed into the [[stomach]] through the nose ([[nasogastric tube]]). | ||
* An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in the arm and fluids will be given to prevent [[dehydration]]. | * An [[Intravenous therapy|intravenous]] (IV) line will be placed in the arm and fluids will be given to prevent [[dehydration]]. | ||
* In some cases, the [[bowel obstruction]] can be treated with an air or contrast enema performed by a skilled [[radiologist]]. | * In some cases, the [[bowel obstruction]] can be treated with an air or [[Contrast medium|contrast]] [[enema]] performed by a skilled [[radiologist]]. | ||
* There is a risk of bowel tearing ([[perforation]]) with this procedure, and it is not used if the bowel has already developed a hole. | * There is a risk of bowel tearing ([[perforation]]) with this procedure, and it is not used if the bowel has already developed a hole. | ||
* If these treatments are unsuccessful, the child will need surgery. The bowel tissue can usually be saved, but any dead tissue will be removed. | * If these treatments are unsuccessful, the child will need [[surgery]]. The [[bowel]] [[Tissue (biology)|tissue]] can usually be saved, but any dead tissue will be removed. | ||
* [[Intravenous feeding]] and fluids will be continued until the child has a normal bowel movement. | * [[Intravenous drip|Intravenous feeding]] and fluids will be continued until the child has a normal [[bowel movement]]. | ||
==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ==Diseases with similar symptoms== | ||
| Line 67: | Line 67: | ||
* The outcome is good with early treatment. There is a risk the condition will come back. | * The outcome is good with early treatment. There is a risk the condition will come back. | ||
===Possible | ===Possible complications=== | ||
* A hole (perforation) is a serious complication due to risk of infection. | * A hole ([[Intestinal perforation|perforation]]) is a serious complication due to risk of infection. | ||
* If not treated, intussusception is almost always fatal for infants and young children. | * If not treated, intussusception is almost always fatal for [[infants]] and young children. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
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Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 | Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | |||
[[Category:Mature chapter]] | |||
[[Category:Gastroenterology]] | |||
[[Category:Gastroenterology patient information]] | |||
[[Catgory:Medical emergencies patient information]] | [[Catgory:Medical emergencies patient information]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:23, 10 January 2018
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty
Overvew
Intussusception is the sliding of one part of the intestine into another.
What are the symptoms of Intussusception?
- 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
What are the causes of Intussusception?
- Intussusception is caused by part of the intestine being pulled inward into itself. This can block the passage of food through the intestine. If the blood supply is cut off, the segment of intestine pulled inside can die.
- The pressure created by the walls of the intestine pressing together causes:
- Decreased blood flow
- Irritation
- Swelling
- The intestine can die, and the patient can have significant bleeding. If a hole occurs, infection, shock, and dehydration can take place very rapidly.
- The cause of intussusception is not known, although viral infections may be responsible in some cases.
- Sometimes a lymph node, polyp, or tumor can trigger the problem. The older the child, the more likely such a trigger will be found.
Who is at risk for Intussusception?
Risk factors:
- Age: Intussusception can affect both children and adults, although most cases occur in children ages 6 months - 2 years
- Gender: It affects boys four times as often as girls
How to know you have Intussusception (Diagnosis)?
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
When to seek urgent medical care
Intussusception is an emergency. Call your health care provider immediately, then call 911 or go immediately to the emergency room.
Treatment options
- The child will first be stabilized. A tube will be passed into the stomach through the nose (nasogastric tube).
- An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in the arm and fluids will be given to prevent dehydration.
- In some cases, the bowel obstruction can be treated with an air or contrast enema performed by a skilled radiologist.
- There is a risk of bowel tearing (perforation) with this procedure, and it is not used if the bowel has already developed a hole.
- If these treatments are unsuccessful, the child will need surgery. The bowel tissue can usually be saved, but any dead tissue will be removed.
- Intravenous feeding and fluids will be continued until the child has a normal bowel movement.
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Intussusception
Directions to Hospitals Treating Intussusception
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
- The outcome is good with early treatment. There is a risk the condition will come back.
Possible complications
- A hole (perforation) is a serious complication due to risk of infection.
- If not treated, intussusception is almost always fatal for infants and young children.
Sources
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4