Mesenteric Lymphadenitis – What is it, Causes and Treatments!

Mesenteric Lymphadenitis – What it is, Causes and Treatments  of this condition. Also, Mesenteric Lymphadenitis refers to inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes and is considered present if a group of three or more lymph nodes, each 5 mm or larger, is detected in the right lower quadrant mesentery.

This process can be acute or chronic, depending on the causative agent, and causes a clinical presentation that is often difficult to differentiate from acute appendicitis, particularly in children. So, check now  Mesenteric Lymphadenitis – What is it, Causes and Treatments:

What it is:  Mesenteric Lymphadenitis  is a condition where your lymph nodes become inflamed. When  Mesenteric Lymphadenitis  affects the lymph nodes in the membrane that connects your gut to the abdominal wall (mesentery), it’s called  Mesenteric Lymphadenitis (mez-un-TER-ik lim-fad-uh-NIE-tis).

Mesenteric Lymphadenitis , which is also called Mesenteric Adenitis, usually results from an intestinal infection . It mainly affects children and teenagers. Mesenteric  lymphadenitis  is painful and can mimic the warning signs of appendicitis. Unlike appendicitis, Mesenteric Lymphadenitis is rarely serious and usually clears up on its own.

Causes:  The most common cause of swollen mesenteric lymphadenitis is a viral infection such as gastroenteritis – often called the stomach flu. This infection causes the lymph nodes in the mesentery – the thin tissue that attaches the intestine to the back of the abdominal wall – to become inflamed. Your lymph nodes play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight disease.

They are spread throughout the body to capture and destroy viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms. In the process, the nodes closest to the infection may become painful and swollen — for example, the lymph nodes in your neck may swell when you have a sore throat .

Other nodes that commonly swell are located under the chin and in the armpits and groin. Some children develop an upper respiratory infection before or during an attack of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis . Experts think there may be a link between the two.

Symptoms:  Signs and symptoms of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis can include:

• Abdominal pain, often centered on the lower, right side, but the pain can sometimes be more generalized
• general abdominal tenderness
• Fever

Depending on what is causing the condition, other signs and symptoms may include:

• Diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• General feeling of being unwell (malaise)

When to See a Doctor:  Abdominal pain is common in children and teens, and it can be difficult to know when it’s a problem that needs medical attention. In general, call your doctor right away if your child has episodes of:

• Sudden and severe abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain with fever
• Abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting

Also, call your doctor if your child has episodes of the following signs and symptoms that don’t get better over a short period of time:

• Abdominal pain with change in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain with loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Abdominal pain that interferes with sleep

Complications:  If swollen lymph nodes are caused by a serious bacterial infection that goes untreated, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, causing a potentially life-threatening infection (sepsis).

Diagnosis:  To diagnose Mesenteric Lymphadenitis , your doctor is likely to:

• Get an exam and take your child’s medical history. Your doctor will give your child a physical exam and will gather details about their signs and symptoms. Your doctor will likely ask about any other medical conditions your child has been treated for.
• Request laboratory tests. Certain blood tests can help determine if your child has an infection and what type of infection it is.
• Request imaging studies. A computed tomography (CT) scan of your child’s abdomen can help differentiate between appendicitis and Mesenteric Lymphadenitis . Abdominal ultrasound can also be used.

Treatments:  Mild, uncomplicated cases of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis and those caused by a virus usually go away on their own. Medications used to treat Mesenteric Lymphadenitis may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers can help relieve discomfort. Be careful when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Although aspirin is approved for use in children over the age of 3, children and teens who recover from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome , a rare but potentially fatal condition in such children.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed for a moderate to severe bacterial infection .

Prevention:  To prevent  Mesenteric Lymphadenitis :

• Get plenty of rest. Adequate rest can help your child recover.
• Drink liquids. Fluids help prevent dehydration from fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Apply moist heat. A damp, damp cloth applied to the abdomen may help relieve discomfort.