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

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

Images

Digestive system organs

Intussusception - x-ray

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Intussusception Overview

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Intussusception Treatment

Review Date: 04/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)