Overview
Intussusception is a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine, often blocking food or fluid from passing through. This telescoping action can lead to several complications, including infection, death of bowel tissue, and a tear in the bowel. Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent long-term damage or even death.
Types of Intussusception
- Ileocolic intussusception: This is the most common type of intussusception, where the small intestine (ileum) slides into the large intestine (colon).
- Colocolic intussusception: This type of intussusception occurs when the large intestine (colon) slides into another part of the large intestine.
- Jejunojejunal intussusception: This rare type of intussusception occurs when two parts of the small intestine (jejunum) slide into each other.
Causes of Intussusception
- Infection: Infection can cause inflammation and swelling in the intestine, leading to intussusception.
- Food intolerance: Food intolerance or allergies can cause inflammation and irritation in the intestine, leading to intussusception.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of intussusception.
- Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, can increase the risk of intussusception.
- Tumor: A tumor in the intestine can cause intussusception.
Risk Factors of Intussusception
- Age: Infants and children under the age of 5 are more susceptible to intussusception.
- Family history: Having a family history of intussusception or inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk.
- Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as Turner syndrome, can increase the risk of intussusception.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Having a history of inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of intussusception.
Symptoms of Intussusception
1. Abdominal Pain: Abdominal pain that is severe and persistent is a common symptom of intussusception.
2. Nausea or vomiting: Vomiting blood or black tarry stools can be a sign of intussusception.
3. Abdominal distension: Abdominal distension or swelling can occur due to blockage in the intestine.
4. Fever: Fever can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the intestine.
5. Blood in stool: Blood in stool or black tarry stools can be a sign of intussusception.
Preventions of Intussusception
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of intussusception in infants.
- Probiotics: Probiotics may help reduce the risk of intussusception by promoting healthy gut bacteria.
Diagnosis of Intussusception
- Physical examination: A physical examination may reveal signs of abdominal pain, distension, or tenderness.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
- Endoscopy: Endoscopy may be used to visualize the inside of the intestine and diagnose intussusception.
Treatment for Intussusception
- Surgical intervention: Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or remove affected bowel tissue.
- Medications: Medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be used to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
- Fluid therapy: Fluid therapy may be necessary to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Severe abdominal pain: If you experience severe abdominal pain that is persistent or worsening, seek medical attention immediately.
- Vomiting blood or black tarry stools: If you experience vomiting blood or black tarry stools, seek medical attention immediately.
- Abdominal distension or swelling: If you experience abdominal distension or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
