Mesenteric adenitis is a scary-sounding medical issue. While the name itself sounds rather intimidating, the infection is usually not something to worry too much about.
It primarily affects children and teens and will typically go away without treatment in one to four weeks. Read on to learn more about it from our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team.
What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?
Mesenteric adenitis, sometimes known as mesenteric lymphadenitis, is the swelling of the lymph nodes in the abdomen. It’s often caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the intestines, which then causes the lymph nodes to swell up as they try to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body.
Mesenteric adenitis can cause stomach pain and discomfort, but it usually isn’t cause for serious concern unlike other issues that it is often compared to, such as appendicitis or a condition in which part of the intestine slides into another part of the intestine (intussusception).
Common Mesenteric Adenitis Symptoms
- Pain in the abdomen, often on the lower right side
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How Worried Should I Be If My Child Has Mesenteric Adenitis?
If your child does indeed have mesenteric adenitis and not another condition like appendicitis, you shouldn’t be too concerned.
If your child’s bout of lymphadenitis is caused by a virus, it will clear up on its own in a week or two. If it is caused by bacteria, an AFC medical professional will likely prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Mesenteric adenitis doesn’t cause any lasting medical issues.
When to See a Doctor
- Your child has episodes of sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Your child has episodes of abdominal pain with fever
- Your child has episodes of abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting
Do you or your kids need non-emergency medical care? If so, don’t hesitate to stop by our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway center today.
