Intussusception is the most common cause of intestinal blockage in children between 3 months and 3 years of age. Most cases of intussusception occur in babies younger than 1 year of age. For unknown reasons, boys are affected more often than girls. Intussusception also occurs in older children and adults.

Who is at risk for intussusception?

Age. Children — especially young children — are much more likely to develop intussusception than adults are. It's the most common cause of bowel obstruction in children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.

Does intussusception run in families?

It tends to run in families. If one child has had intussusception, brothers and sisters are more likely to have it. Even with treatment, there's a 10% chance that it could happen again. Pain in the abdomen (tummy) that comes and goes, or comes on suddenly.