Definition
Mesenteric adenitis is when lymph nodes in the abdomen swell. Lymph nodes are small, round glands. They help fight infection. Infections sometimes make the nodes swell. When nodes in the abdomen swell, it can cause pain.
Normal Anatomy of the Intestines |
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Causes
Mesenteric adenitis is often caused by an infection in the stomach or intestines. Viruses are the most common cause of these infections. However, some may be due to bacteria.
Symptoms
Symptoms often follow a cold. They may include:
- Pain in the belly, often the lower, right side
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
The child may be given blood and urine tests.
Images may be taken of the child’s body structures. This can be done with:
Treatment
Mesenteric adenitis is usually not serious. Symptoms go away in a few days to weeks. Treatment options may be:
- Over-the-counter pain medicine—to ease discomfort
- Antibiotics—rarely, if there is a lasting bacterial infection
Prevention
The risk of mesenteric adenitis may be reduced by:
- Washing hands often
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://www.familydoctor.org
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Acute abdominal pain in children aged 6-11 years - approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/acute-abdominal-pain-in-children-aged-6-11-years-approach-to-the-patient. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Gross I, Siedner-Weintraub Y, et al. Characteristics of mesenteric lymphadenitis in comparison with those of acute appendicitis in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2017;176(2):199-205.
Mesenteric adenitis. Patient UK website. Available at: https://patient.info/health/mesenteric-adenitis. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Mesenteric adenitis. Radiopaediag website. Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/mesenteric-adenitis. Accessed April 6, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 12/2020
- Update Date: 04/06/2021