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Intussusception Symptoms

Intussusception occurs when one segment of intestine telescopes into a lower segment. This very serious condition occurs most commonly in children between 3 months and 6 years of age, and is rare in other age groups. The prognosis is good with early treatment.

  1. Primary Symptom

    • The primary symptom of intussusception is a sudden onset of abdominal pain that occurs sporadically. Both infants and children typically cry and draw their knees up to the chest when the pain becomes more intense. Parents often mistake the condition for colic at first.

    Behavior

    • The child may be very irritable, tired and weak between episodes of pain, or may recover and act normally until the next episode begins.

    Other Symptoms

    • Most children with intussusception begin vomiting during the pain episodes. The vomit may be yellow-green in color. The child also may have a lump in the abdomen or a swollen abdomen.

    Bowel Movement

    • If parents do not seek medical attention at this point, the child may pass a stool that is bloody and mucus-like, commonly called a "currant jelly stool." This is a serious symptom that may indicate that the affected part of the bowel has lost its blood supply.

    Later Stages

    • Lack of treatment at this point allows the disorder to progress with the child becoming weaker, lethargic, feverish, and pale, and perhaps going into shock.

    Adult Symptoms

    • In adults, intussusception symptoms can be chronic or intermittent. They include changes in frequency and urgency of bowel movements, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea and vomiting.

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