How is intussusception typically differentiated from volvulus in infants?

Intussusception is typically differentiated from volvulus in infants primarily through the symptoms and clinical presentation rather than solely relying on the age of the child. Intussusception often presents with characteristic symptoms such as intermittent abdominal pain, "currant jelly" stools, and a palpable abdominal mass. Vomiting is common, and it can appear bilious if there is obstruction.

Volvulus, on the other hand, usually leads to more immediate signs of severe obstruction, such as persistent vomiting that is bilious, abdominal distension, and signs of ischemia. While age can offer some insight into the types of conditions often encountered, it does not serve as the primary differentiating factor between these two entities.

The type of vomit can also provide clues, as bilious vomiting is more indicative of volvulus due to obstruction beyond the duodenum. The presence of fever, while sometimes associated with intestinal conditions, is not a distinguishing factor for intussusception versus volvulus.

Thus, the presence of specific symptoms is the key to differentiating these conditions in infants, making the focus on symptomatology a more accurate way to assess the two conditions rather than relying on age alone.