Mesenteric Adenitis

What is Mesenteric Adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis is inflammation of lymph nodes in the membrane that attaches the intestines to the inside wall of the abdomen (mesentery).

Lymph nodes are collections of tissue that filter bacteria, viruses, and waste from the bloodstream. They are located in several different areas of the body and are part of the body’s disease-fighting system (immunesystem).

Symptoms of this condition are often similar to inflammation of the appendix (appendicitis). Mesenteric adenitis is a painful condition, but it usually clears up either without treatment or with antibiotic medicine.

What are the causes?

A viral or bacterial infection is the most common cause of this condition. The infection usually starts somewhere else in the body.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Abdominal pain and tenderness.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • A physical exam and your medical history.
  • Blood tests.
  • Abdominal ultrasound.
  • Abdominal CT scan.

How is this treated?

If your condition is caused by a virus, it usually goes away without treatment within 1–2 weeks. If the cause is a bacterial infection, you will be treated with antibiotic medicines. Your health care provider may recommend medicines to help relieve pain or fever.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicines.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or does not go away.
  • You vomit repeatedly.
  • You have severe pain in the lower, right part of your abdomen. This may be appendicitis.
  • You have bright red or black, tarry stools.

Summary

  • Mesenteric adenitis is inflammation of lymph nodes in the membrane that attaches the intestines to the inside wall of the abdomen (mesentery).
  • Mesenteric adenitis is a painful condition, but it usually clears up either without treatment or with antibiotic medicine.
  • A viral or bacterial infection is the most common cause of this condition.
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