It is a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. This telescoping action often blocks food or fluid from passing through. Intussusception also cuts off the blood supply to the part of the intestine that's affected

SYMPTOMS OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

Children

The pain of intussusception comes and goes, usually every 15 to 20 minutes at first. These painful episodes last longer and happen more often as time passes.

Other frequent signs and symptoms of intussusception include:

• Stool mixed with blood and mucus (sometimes referred to as "currant jelly" stool because of its appearance)
• Vomiting
• A lump in the abdomen
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Not everyone has all of the symptoms. Some infants have no obvious pain, and some children do not pass blood or have a lump in the abdomen. Some older children have pain but no other symptoms.

Adults

Because intussusception is rare in adults 

some symptoms that comes and goes are ;

1.Nausea and vomiting

2.People sometimes have symptoms for weeks before seeking medical attention.

CAUSES OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

In some cases, the telescoping is caused by an abnormal growth in the intestine, such as;

polyp or a tumor (called a lead point). The normal wave-like contractions of the intestine grab this lead point and pull it and the lining of the intestine into the bowel ahead of it. In most cases, however, no cause can be identified for intussusception.

Children

In the vast majority of cases of intussusception in children, the cause is unknown. Because intussusception seems to occur more often in the fall and winter and because many children with the problem also have flu-like symptoms, some suspect a virus may play a role in the condition. Sometimes, a lead point can be identified as the cause of the condition ,most frequently the lead point is a Meckel's diverticulum (a pouch in the lining of the small intestine).

Adults

In adults, intussusception is usually the result of a medical condition or procedure, including:

• A polyp or tumor
• Scar-like tissue in the intestine (adhesions)
• Weight-loss surgery (gastric bypass) or other surgery on the intestinal tract
• Inflammation due to diseases such as Crohn's disease

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for intussusception include:

• Age-Children especially young children are much more likely to develop intussusception than adults are. It is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
• Sex- Intussusception more often affects boys.
• Abnormal intestinal formation at birth- Intestinal malrotation is a condition in which the intestine does not develop or rotate correctly, and it increases the risk for intussusception.
• A history of intussusception-Once one have intussusception, they are at increased risk of developing it again.
• A family history-Siblings of someone who has had an intussusception are at a much higher risk of the disorder.

COMPLICATIONS OF INTUSSUSCEPTION

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Signs and symptoms of peritonitis include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Fever

Peritonitis may cause your child to go into shock. Signs and symptoms of shock include:

• Cool, clammy skin that may be pale or gray
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Abnormal breathing that may be either slow and shallow or very rapid
• Anxiety or agitation
• Profound listlessness

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

OPIUM

Useful for intussusception when abdomen is hard, bloated, tympanic. There is colic with urging to stool and discharge of hard faeces.Given when due to obstruction, there is difficult to pass stools or flatus.Recommenmded when Bowel feel completely obstructed.

PLUMBUM MET

 Useful for intussusception when there is obstructed flatus with intense colic. Given when abdominal wall feels drawn by a string to the spine (in adults). Useful when bending backwards ameliorates pressure in stomach and bending double ameliorates the colic. Better by hard pressure and by rubbing.There is sensation as if bowels are twisted, constricted, distended with gas.

VERATRUM ALBUM

 Useful for intussusception when there is sinking and empty feeling in the abdomen. There is painful retraction of the abdomen during vomiting. Very useful for pain in abdomen, preceeding stool.

RL26, RL36