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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Intussusception
      Category : Health Centers > Digestive System

Intussusception

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Intussusception is the telescoping of one portion of the intestine into another. It generally occurs in young children.

What is going on in the body?

In this condition, one part of intestine abnormally slides inside the part of intestine next to it. This can be compared to one part of a telescope sliding into itself. When this occurs in the bowels, the veins and arteries are squeezed. This results in less blood flow to the intestine.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

In most cases, the cause of the intussesception is unknown. Risk factors for the condition include the following:

  • abnormalities in the bowel, such as a colorectal polyp
  • cystic fibrosis, a disease affecting the bowels
  • a foreign body in the bowel, such as a swallowed coin
  • injury to the abdomen that causes bleeding in the bowel
  • a recent illness with diarrhea
  • upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or flu
  • Intussesception is three times more common in males than in females. It is seen most often in infants from 3 to 12 months of age.


       

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    Intussusception: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Vincent J. Toups, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/09/01



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