Is intussusception in children serious?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Intussusception is a life-threatening emergency, and its reduction is an urgent medical treatment that must be performed immediately once diagnosed. Generally, in the early stages of intussusception, the general condition is still good, with normal body temperature and no symptoms of systemic toxicity. As time progresses, the condition worsens, and there may be necrosis of the intestines or peritonitis, with overall health deteriorating. Common severe symptoms include dehydration, high fever, lethargy, coma, and shock from toxicity.

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How long is the incubation period for intussusception?

The incubation period of intussusception generally varies depending on the severity of the condition. Intussusception most commonly occurs during infancy or in adulthood. Typically, the incubation period is around 2 to 3 years of age, which is when the chances of developing intussusception are highest. In adults, intussusception is generally associated with tumors. As the tumor grows or other pathological changes occur, the likelihood of intussusception significantly increases. Therefore, once symptoms appear in patients with intussusception, it indicates a severe condition. Thus, in cases where intussusception is clearly diagnosed, timely surgical intervention should be administered to effectively treat the disease.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Can intussusception in children cause fever?

In the early stages of intussusception, the child generally remains in good condition, with normal body temperature and no symptoms of systemic poisoning. As the disease progresses and worsens, complications such as intestinal necrosis or peritonitis may develop, leading to deterioration of the overall condition. At this point, severe dehydration, high fever, lethargy, coma, and shock, among other symptoms of poisoning, can occur. Therefore, fever can indeed appear in the later stages of intussusception.

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Written by He Zong Quan
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Intussusception earliest symptoms

The earliest symptoms of intussusception are primarily abdominal symptoms, including mild abdominal distension, abdominal pain, with pain mainly around the navel. This pain generally does not show significant relief and tends to intensify. There may also be cessation of passing gas and stool, and the patient might sometimes experience nausea and vomiting. If the symptoms of intussusception do not alleviate, we carry out an abdominal imaging examination, which may reveal fluid levels, indicating intestinal obstruction, and the intussuscepted bowel can be found. At this point, early air enema reduction can be performed. If the condition is not treated timely, it can lead to aggravated symptoms of intestinal obstruction, and even require surgical treatment.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
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Is intestinal intussusception easy to treat?

Intussusception is a common pediatric surgical condition in infancy and early childhood. It is characterized clinically by abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and the passage of jelly-like stools. Mild cases of intussusception can usually be treated in a clinical setting with an air enema under surgical guidance. However, severe intussusception, which has led to ischemia or necrosis of the intestinal mucosa, must be treated surgically. Therefore, the treatment of intussusception is not difficult, but it is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. With timely diagnosis, the condition is relatively easy to manage with the best and most appropriate treatment, where diagnosis is the most critical aspect.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Causes of intussusception in children

The causes of intussusception are divided into primary and secondary types, with 95% being primary, commonly seen in infants and young children. In infants, the mesentery of the ileocecal area is not yet fully fixed and has greater mobility, which is a structural factor prone to intussusception. Secondary cases account for 5%, where intussusception occurs. Some intestines show clear organic changes, such as Meckel's diverticulum, intestinal polyps, intestinal tumors, intestinal duplication anomalies, abdominal purpura, and thickening of the intestinal wall, which can cause intussusception of the intestines. Certain triggers, including dietary changes, viral infections, and diarrhea, can induce intussusception.