Best Prevention Strategy for Intussusception
Exclusive breastfeeding is the best evidence-based preventive measure for intussusception in infants, as breastfed infants have significantly lower rates of intussusception compared to formula-fed infants. 1
Why Exclusive Breastfeeding is the Answer
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that breastfeeding provides protective effects against multiple gastrointestinal conditions including intussusception. 1 This is particularly important because the peak incidence of intussusception occurs at 4 months of age, precisely when exclusive breastfeeding provides maximum protective benefit. 1
Critical Evidence Consideration
There is one contradictory older study from 1993 that suggested exclusive breastfeeding might be a risk factor (relative risk 6.0), but this finding has not been replicated and contradicts current guideline recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 2 The more recent and authoritative guideline evidence from 2025 clearly supports breastfeeding as protective. 1
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
High Fiber Diet (Option B)
- Infants in the typical age range for intussusception (peak 3 months to 5 years) are primarily consuming breast milk or formula, making dietary fiber modification inapplicable and ineffective. 1
- High-fiber foods are actually a risk factor for bezoar formation in certain surgical contexts, not a preventive measure for intussusception. 1
Increased Physical Activity (Option C)
- The pathophysiology of intussusception involves intestinal motility disorders and anatomical factors, not activity levels. 1
- Physical activity has no established role in prevention.
Education About Early Symptoms (Option A)
- While delays in diagnosis beyond 48 hours significantly increase morbidity and mortality, education about symptoms is a secondary prevention strategy (early detection), not primary prevention. 1
- The question asks for prevention of occurrence, not prevention of complications.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse rotavirus vaccination with intussusception prevention. Current rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq and Rotarix) do not prevent the naturally occurring idiopathic form of intussusception, though they carry minimal to no increased risk themselves. 1, 3
Answer: D - Exclusive breastfeeding