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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Children
Signs and symptoms of intussusception in children include:
- Severe abdominal pain that comes and goes (intermittent pain)
- Stool mixed with blood and mucus (sometimes referred to as "currant jelly" stool because of its appearance)
- A lump in the abdomen
- Swollen (distended) abdomen
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Shallow breathing
The first sign of intussusception in infants is usually sudden, loud crying caused by abdominal pain. Infants who have abdominal pain may pull their knees to their chests when they cry. The pain of intussusception comes and goes, usually every 15 to 20 minutes at first. These painful episodes last longer and happen more frequently as time passes.
Adults
Although rare, intussusception can happen in adults. Signs and symptoms of intussusception in adults may last a long time (chronic symptoms), or they may come and go (intermittent symptoms). They may include:
- Changes in bowel movement frequency
- The urge to have a bowel movement immediately (urgency)
- Rectal bleeding
- Crampy abdominal pain
- Pain in one area of the abdomen
- Swollen (distended) abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
When to see a doctor
Intussusception requires emergency medical care. If you or your child develops the signs or symptoms listed above, seek medical help right away.
In infants, remember that signs of abdominal pain may include recurrent bouts of pulling the knees to the chest and crying.
