It is one of the causes of intestinal obstruction during childhood. Half of the cases occur in children younger than I year. It is 3 times more common in males than females. The cause is unknown. The most common site is the small intestine telescoping into the large intestine.
Intussusception causes an obstruction to the passage of intestinal contents beyond the problem.
This telescoped area becomes very swollen, causing pain and obstruction. Crying and drawing the knees to the chest may be signs of abdominal pain in an infant. There may be short periods of this abdominal pain between perfectly normal behavior. Vomiting usually occurs and the child may pass one normal brown stool. Stools may change to red and jelly-like similar to passing a mucus stool mixed with blood.