Intussusception is a form of bowel obstruction which is a serious condition wherein one segment of the intestine telescopes or slides inside of another leading to blockage or obstruction of intestine. It blocks the food and fluid from passing through. It mainly occurs at the junction of the small and large intestines. The obstruction often causes swelling and inflammation which can lead to intestinal injury. It cuts off the blood supply to the affected part of the intestine thus leading to a tear in the bowel, infection and death of the bowel tissue.
Intussusception is one of the most common abdominal emergency conditions affecting children less than 3 years of age. It is very common in babies and more common in boys than girls. In children, an X-ray procedure is able to push back the intestine in its position. In adults, intussusception is mainly due to a tumor or polyps which often requires surgery.
Intussusception may occur in colon, small bowel or between the small bowel and colon. It occurs most frequently during the fall and winter months than rest of the year.
According to Ayurveda, obstruction means upward or backward or reverse movement of vata disorder.
CAUSE OF INTUSSUSCEPTION
The cause of intussusception is unknown. Some, viral or bacterial infection of intestine might lead to intussusception. In some children, it is caused by a condition that the child is born with such as a polyp or diverticulum. It could be due to enlarged lymph nodes or blood vessel abnormality in the intestines.
Weight loss surgery or a surgery of intestinal tract is another cause of intussusception. One may get the problem due to inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease.
Siblings of someone who has the problem are at more risk of getting it.
SYMPTOMS OF INTUSSUSCEPTION
The most common symptoms of intussusception are:
- Severe, crampy abdominal pain lasting for 15 minutes which alters with periods without pain for 30 minutes. This is termed as clocking pain. Small children often bring their knees to the chest when they are feeling the pain. The children are seen crying due to pain due to compression of blood vessels and nerves.
- Nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. Vomiting is not due to eating. It may be bilious or yellow green colored bitter tasting vomit.
- Rectal bleeding mixed with mucus. This is called currant jelly stool. It is a sign of lost blood supply in the bowel.
- The patient feels weak and tired.
- A lump in the abdomen can be felt. There is abdominal swelling
- Flu like symptoms are experienced by the patient.
- A weak and rapid pulse rate along with abnormal breathing, There is drop in blood pressure and the child may appear drowsy.
- Skin may look pale or gray.
- Anxiety and agitation.
DIAGNOSE OF INTUSSUSCEPTION
Early detection of intussusception is very important as it is a serious condition which is life threatening. Early diagnoses helps to prevent damage of the intestine.
A doctor can diagnose the problem by checking the symptoms of the patient. A stethoscope can be used to hear the diminished bowel sounds. Abdominal lump can be felt by the doctor.
Abdominal X-rays and ultrasound are done to confirm intestinal obstruction. A barium, water soluble contrast or air enema is performed.
TREATMENT OF INTUSSUSCEPTION
The treatment is determined depending on the extent of the problem and the current health of the patient.
Planet Ayurveda offers a range of effective products that help in managing the symptoms of Intussusception and fixing the problem in a natural way. The products offered by Planet Ayurveda are completely safe to be used by small children. The products are made using 100% standardized and pure herbs and are free from any kind of preservatives, binders, fillers etc.
Herbal Remedies for Intussusception
THE PRODUCTS USEFUL IN TREATING INTUSSUSCEPTION ARE FOLLOWING
1. Digestion Support Capsules
As the name suggests this product helps in improving the digestive system. The product is a blend of unique herbs like haritaki, cumin, piper, and fennel. All these herbs act together to control acidity, gas, flatulence and other symptoms relating to intussusception.
The recommended dosage for Digestion Support Capsules is 2 capsules twice a day with plain wate, after meals.
2. Mahasankh Vati
The product is formulated using excellent herbs like pippali, chitraka, danti, shudh parad, shudh tankan, sarjakshar and yavkshar. The medicine helps in balancing the three energies of the body: Vatta, Pitta and Kapha. Thereby the product helps in maintaining healthy metabolism. It relieves bloating or gas, diarrhea and acidity.
The recommended dosage for Mahasankh Vati is 2 tablets twice daily with plain water, after half an hour of the meals.
3 and 4. Vatsakadi Churna Mixed With Vara Churna (Triphala Powder)
These are two pure Ayurvedic products in powdered form that have shown excellent results in conditions like dysentery, diarrhea, irregular digestion or any other intestine relating condition. The churna Vatsakadhu is a blend of powerful herbs like saunf, bilv, dhania, anar, chhoti elaichi, jaiphal while Vara churna is a herbal formulation of herbs like Haritaki, Amalaka and Bhibhitaki. These are also known as The Myrobalans.
The powdered mixed together helps the body get rid of all accumulated toxins thereby cleaning the colon in natural way. The medicine helps in overcoming weakness too.
The recommended dosage for the Vatsakadi churna mixed with Vara churna (Triphala powder) is 1 tsp with warm water and should be consumed in the evening .
The products offered by Planet Ayurveda helps in supporting the overall health of the patient.
It is advised to address dehydration when the symptoms arises. One can administer hydrating enemas at home. Orally take 2 ounces of castor oil to clean and lubricate the intestines. Virgin coconut oil can also be taken.
The patients are advised to take raw fats in order to provide hydration and lubrication to the intestines.
Vegetables like okra or lady fingers and fruits like coconuts, water melon can be taken.
If left untreated , the intussusception can cause internal bleeding and severe abdominal infection known as peritonitis.
