What is characteristic of the abdominal pain in a child with intussusception?

In cases of intussusception, the abdominal pain experienced by the child is typically intermittent. This pattern arises because the condition is characterized by episodes of bowel obstruction, which can lead to cyclical cramping as the intestines intermittently contract. During these episodes, the child may experience severe abdominal pain that suddenly comes and goes. This type of pain can often be described as colicky, meaning it is of sudden onset and can subside after a certain time before returning.

The intermittent nature of the pain can be misleading, as parents may not always recognize it as a continuous problem. Children may also appear to be comfortable between episodes of pain, which can further complicate the clinical picture. This characteristic helps differentiate intussusception from other conditions that might cause constant pain or pain that is localized to a specific area in the abdomen.