GI: PEDIATRICS Flashcards
Intussusception
About Intussusception
Intussusception (in-tuh-suh-SEP-shun) is the most common abdominal emergency affecting children under 2 years old. It happens when one portion of the bowel slides into the next, much like the pieces of a telescope.
When this “telescoping” happens, the flow of fluids and food through the bowel can become blocked, the intestine can swell and bleed, and the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine can get cut off. Eventually, this can cause part of the bowel to die.
Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction,
Paralytic ileus, also called pseudo-obstruction, is one of the major causes of intestinal obstruction in infants and children. Causes of paralytic ileus may include:
Bacteria or viruses that cause intestinal infections (gastroenteritis)
Chemical, electrolyte, or mineral imbalances (such as decreased potassium levels)
Complications of abdominal surgery
Decreased blood supply to the intestines (mesenteric ischemia)
Infections inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis
Kidney or lung disease
Use of certain medicines, especially narcotics
