Overview
Intussusception (pronounced “in-tuh-sus-SEP-shun”) is a medical emergency where one segment of your intestine folds partially inside the other, causing a bowel obstruction (blockage). Sometimes, the folding is described as “telescoping” because it resembles how the pieces fit into each other on a telescope. Usually, intussusception affects the small intestine (bowel).
Without treatment, the blockage can slow blood flow to your intestine and prevent food from passing through it. The obstruction can cause swelling and inflammation that leads to life-threatening complications.
Intussusception requires emergency care — but it’s treatable if you get help fast.
How common is intussusception?
Anyone can develop intussusception, including adults, but it’s most common among children between 3 months and 3 years old.
Only 1% of adult bowel obstructions are related to intussusception. But intussusception is the most common reason children under 3 years old develop a bowel obstruction. Approximately 1 in 2,000 babies in the U.S. develop intussusception in their first year.
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Symptoms
Complications
Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.
Prevention
Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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