Mesenteric adenitis is a relatively common condition, and although anyone at any age can get it, it most often affects children and teens.

Despite its scary-sounding name, mesenteric adenitis isn’t usually very serious and will clear up on its own in a week or two in most cases.

Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team.

What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis (also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis) is the swelling of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, which attaches the intestine to the abdominal wall and holds it in place.

Mesenteric adenitis is most often caused by a viral or bacterial intestinal infection. When the intestines become infected, the body’s lymph nodes become swollen as they work to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of this condition below.

Common Mesenteric Adenitis Symptoms

• Pain in the abdomen, often on the lower right side
• Abdominal tenderness
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Is Mesenteric Adenitis Serious?

Not usually. Although the symptoms of mesenteric adenitis are often similar to the symptoms of appendicitis, it’s not as severe.

Mesenteric adenitis is normally mild, and it usually only lasts between a few days and a couple of weeks. In most cases, the problem will resolve without intervention. However, in very rare cases, lymph nodes can be swollen for an extended period of time, which can be a sign of something more serious, like sepsis. Visit our AFC center if you or your child experiences the signs and symptoms we’ve listed below.

When to See a Doctor

• Episodes of sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Episodes of abdominal pain with fever
• Episodes of abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting

Need non-emergency medical care? Our AFC Urgent Care Hixson team is here for you seven days a week! Don’t hesitate to visit us today.