Infant intussusception typical symptoms

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The typical clinical manifestations of intussusception are as follows: Firstly, abdominal pain, which occurs in paroxysmal, regular episodes, characterized by sudden onset of severe colicky pain. The child appears restless and cries, with knees drawn to the abdomen, pale complexion, and relief coming after several minutes or longer; the pain reoccurs every ten to twenty minutes. Secondly, vomiting is an early symptom, initially reflexive containing milk curds or food residues, later possibly containing bile, and in the late stage, fecal-like liquid may be vomited. Thirdly, bloody stools are a significant symptom, appearing within the first few hours; initially, stools may appear normal, later becoming scanty or absent. In about 85% of cases, a jam-like mucousy bloody stool is passed within six to twelve hours of onset, or bloody stools are found upon rectal examination. Fourthly, abdominal mass is often found in the right upper quadrant just below the ribs, where a slight movable intussusception mass can be palpated, resembling a sausage.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can I take a bath after an enema for intussusception?

Patients with intussusception may experience a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, a mass, and bloody stools, and may need an air enema for reduction. If symptoms disappear after the enema reduction and imaging suggests that the intussusception has been reduced, then the condition is improving. Since the enema does not cause localized wounds or obvious external trauma, it does not affect bathing. Intussusception often occurs in children, while in adults it is usually due to a structural disease, especially tumors, and a definitive diagnosis is needed for proper management. As long as the patient has not undergone surgical treatment, they can bathe.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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Why does intussusception cause bleeding?

Patients experience bleeding in cases of intussusception primarily because the segment of intestine that telescopes into another suffers from poor blood supply, or ischemia and hypoxia, ultimately leading to ischemic and hypoxic hemorrhagic changes in the intestinal wall. As a result, patients often exhibit symptoms such as bloody stools or stool that resembles jam. The occurrence of bleeding in intussusception generally indicates a relatively severe case. Treatment methods vary between adults and children. For children with intussusception, manual reduction or air or barium enema can be used to perform pressure reduction, allowing the intussusception to be treated conservatively without the need for surgical intervention. However, for adults, if bleeding is present, it indicates that the intussusception is severe and might be due to tumors or other space-occupying lesions, necessitating active surgical treatment. This approach is effective in stopping the bleeding and identifying the underlying cause of the condition.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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How many days will pneumatic reduction for intussusception take to recover?

The indications of successful reduction of intussusception by air enema treatment are as follows: First, after the removal of the tube, a large amount of foul-smelling mucousy bloody stool and yellow feces are expelled. Second, the patient quickly falls asleep, no longer cries, and ceases to vomit. Third, the abdomen is soft and flat, with no palpable mass as before. Fourth, after the enema reduction, 0.5-1 grams of activated charcoal is administered orally; if charcoal residue is expelled within six to eight hours, it indicates a successful reduction. However, even after successful reduction, it is necessary to remain under observation in the hospital for two to three days to monitor for any recurrence of the intussusception.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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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 infants with intussusception sleep?

Intussusception presents as abdominal pain, which occurs in sudden, severe, and periodic episodes. The child cries restlessly with a pale face, and the pain lasts several minutes or longer. The pain then subsides, and during this relief, the child falls asleep. The pain reoccurs every ten to twenty minutes. Continuous episodes occur until the intussusception is successfully reduced, after which the child calms down and falls asleep without further crying or vomiting.