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Intussusception
Intussusception is when one part of the bowel slides into the next, like a telescope, blocking it. It is a serious emergency in young children needing prompt treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- Often no clear cause in infants
- Can follow a viral infection
- Occasionally a lead point such as a polyp
- Most common between 6 months and 2 years
Common symptoms
- Sudden bouts of severe tummy pain
- Drawing the knees up and crying in episodes
- Vomiting
- Redcurrant-jelly-like stool
- Becoming pale, floppy or drowsy between episodes
- A sausage-shaped lump in the tummy
Tests & diagnosis
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Electrolytes
- Abdominal X-ray
Treatment & management
- This is an emergency — treatment is in hospital
- An air or fluid enema can often push the bowel back into place
- Surgery if the enema does not work or the bowel is damaged
- Fluids and close monitoring throughout
- Watch for it recurring shortly after treatment
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe bouts of tummy pain with drawing up the legs — seek urgent care now
- Redcurrant-jelly stools or a pale, floppy, drowsy child — emergency
- Repeated vomiting, especially green vomit — emergency
- Any suspicion of a bowel blockage in a young child — urgent
Frequently asked questions
Why is intussusception an emergency?
The telescoped bowel is blocked and its blood supply can be cut off, risking serious damage. Treating it quickly, often with an enema, avoids the need for surgery and prevents complications.
What are the classic warning signs?
Sudden episodes of severe pain with a young child drawing up their knees, vomiting, and redcurrant-jelly-like stools. A child becoming pale and floppy between episodes is a red flag needing urgent care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.