Symptoms of intussusception in infants

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The clinical manifestations of intussusception mainly include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, and an abdominal mass. The abdominal pain is often spasmodic and regular, manifesting as sudden severe colicky pain. The child appears to be crying and restless, with knees drawn up to the abdomen, pale complexion, and the pain lasts for several minutes or longer but lessens after; it recurs every ten to twenty minutes, accompanied by intestinal movements. Vomiting is an early clinical symptom, initially consisting of milk curds or food residue, and later may include bile and fecal-like liquid. Bloody stool is an important symptom, appearing within the first few hours; initially, the stools can be normal, with about 85% of cases excreting jam-like mucoid bloody stools within six to twelve hours of onset. The abdominal mass is often located in the upper right abdomen below the costal margin, where a slight, tender mass can be palpated.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can intestinal intussusception have bowel movements?

After the occurrence of intussusception, the patient's symptoms often manifest as those of intestinal obstruction, causing significant abdominal pain, cessation of gas and stool passage through the anus, and a palpable abdominal mass can be felt. Imaging studies can clearly indicate signs of intussusception. Once intussusception occurs, the patient stops passing stool, and symptoms such as vomiting and nausea also occur. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to treat promptly, including air enema reduction or surgical treatment, to promptly address the symptoms of intussusception, prevent the worsening of intestinal obstruction symptoms, and avoid severe complications such as intestinal necrosis, which can endanger the patient's life.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Symptoms of intussusception in infants

The clinical manifestations of intussusception mainly include abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, and an abdominal mass. The abdominal pain is often spasmodic and regular, manifesting as sudden severe colicky pain. The child appears to be crying and restless, with knees drawn up to the abdomen, pale complexion, and the pain lasts for several minutes or longer but lessens after; it recurs every ten to twenty minutes, accompanied by intestinal movements. Vomiting is an early clinical symptom, initially consisting of milk curds or food residue, and later may include bile and fecal-like liquid. Bloody stool is an important symptom, appearing within the first few hours; initially, the stools can be normal, with about 85% of cases excreting jam-like mucoid bloody stools within six to twelve hours of onset. The abdominal mass is often located in the upper right abdomen below the costal margin, where a slight, tender mass can be palpated.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How many days will pneumatic reduction for intussusception take to recover?

The indications of successful reduction of intussusception by air enema treatment are as follows: First, after the removal of the tube, a large amount of foul-smelling mucousy bloody stool and yellow feces are expelled. Second, the patient quickly falls asleep, no longer cries, and ceases to vomit. Third, the abdomen is soft and flat, with no palpable mass as before. Fourth, after the enema reduction, 0.5-1 grams of activated charcoal is administered orally; if charcoal residue is expelled within six to eight hours, it indicates a successful reduction. However, even after successful reduction, it is necessary to remain under observation in the hospital for two to three days to monitor for any recurrence of the intussusception.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Does intussusception require a CT scan?

Intussusception is commonly diagnosed through routine abdominal ultrasound examinations, which have a positive rate of over 90%. In the ultrasound, the transverse section of the intussusception can show concentric circles or target ring-shaped mass images, and the longitudinal section may reveal the sleeve sign. Additionally, a barium enema can be employed, along with X-ray imaging. Under X-ray, the lead point of intussusception appears as a mass shadow, and air enema reduction treatment can be performed concurrently. Generally, CT is not used as a routine diagnostic tool.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can infants with intussusception sleep?

Intussusception presents as abdominal pain, which occurs in sudden, severe, and periodic episodes. The child cries restlessly with a pale face, and the pain lasts several minutes or longer. The pain then subsides, and during this relief, the child falls asleep. The pain reoccurs every ten to twenty minutes. Continuous episodes occur until the intussusception is successfully reduced, after which the child calms down and falls asleep without further crying or vomiting.