A health condition in which the lymph nodes located in the abdominal area (belly) become inflamed (swollen) is called mesenteric lymphadenitis. People who develop it often experience pain and tenderness in the abdomen, nausea, and diarrhea. Fortunately, there are options to treat this condition. In most cases, doctors recommend rest and pain relievers.
In some cases, this condition is also known as mesenteric adenitis. It affects lymph nodes in the abdomen, which are a part of the immune system that filter harmful substances (including bacteria and viruses) that can make you ill. Normally, the lymph nodes are about the size of a pea, but they can become larger when they are inflamed. The word “mesenteric” from the name of this condition refers to the inflammation that happens in the mesentery. This is a fold of membrane that is located in the abdominal cavity. It also holds organs in place (including small and large intestines).
This condition occurs quite rarely, and it is difficult to estimate the exact number of people who suffer from this disease because most cases do not need treatment and go away on their own.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this disorder often range in severity (from mild to severe), and sometimes they are very similar to those of appendicitis. Check some examples below:
- Abdominal (belly) pain, usually on the lower right side of the abdomen
- Tenderness
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
It is recommended to see a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur without an obvious reason. Otherwise, it may lead to some unpleasant complications, which can make the condition more difficult to treat.
Causes and Risk Factors
This condition occurs when the lymph nodes in the abdominal area become inflamed (swollen). It may happen due to an infection or an inflammatory disorder. Check some of them below:
Infections
Usually, people get a bacterial or viral infection that causes mesenteric lymphadenitis. For example:
- Bacterial infection caused by Yersinia enterocolitica that is found in undercooked meat
- Gastroenteritis (in some cases, it is called the stomach flu)
- Tuberculosis
- Infections related to HIV (rarely)
Inflammatory Disorders
The following health conditions may also cause mesenteric lymphadenitis, especially in children. These include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Diverticulitis
- Appendicitis
- Certain types of cancer (including gastrointestinal cancer and lymphoma)
While the condition itself is not contagious, if it is caused by a viral infection, it may spread from one person to another. Furthermore, doctors have identified some factors that may increase your risk of developing mesenteric lymphadenitis. Examples include:
- Age – This condition commonly affects children and teenagers, and rarely occurs in adults over 20 years old.
- Infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Autoimmune disorders (including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- HIV infection
- Gender – Males are slightly more prone to mesenteric lymphadenitis than females.
- Poor diet and hygiene – People who eat raw or undercooked meat (including pork, poultry, and seafood) or drink contaminated water are also at increased risk of infections that eventually lead to mesenteric lymphadenitis.
What Are The Possible Complications of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis?
While most of the time, people do not need treatment because the condition disappears on its own, in some cases, without treatment, it may lead to the following complications. Check some examples below:
- Sepsis – This is a potential life-threatening complication in which a bacterial infection spreads to the blood and causes a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response.
- Abscesses – People who experience this complication have a pocket of pus that develops within the inflamed lymph nodes.
- Peritonitis – This is another serious complication that causes inflammation of the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Without treatment, it may lead to death.
- Ischemic colitis – This is a rare but serious complication of mesenteric lymphadenitis. It causes blood flow obstruction, which reduces blood flow to the colon.
- Severe dehydration – It often causes severe diarrhea and vomiting.
The previous list does not contain all possible mesenteric lymphadenitis complications, but you can talk with your physician about ways to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
How to Prevent Mesenteric Lymphadenitis?
While it is not always possible to prevent this condition, doctors may recommend the following tips to reduce the risk. For example:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after touching contaminated surfaces or objects or raw food.
- Cook raw foods (especially meat) to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F
- Disinfect the food preparation areas
- Every time, use different utensils and cutting boards for meat and vegetables
- Do not drink contaminated water (such as from ponds or lakes)
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of mesenteric lymphadenitis starts with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease. Thereafter, doctors may ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history to gather more information about the disease. In any case, to exclude or confirm this condition, they will perform the following tests. Examples include:
- A complete blood count (CBC)
- Ultrasounds
- CT (computerized tomography) scans
Imaging tests are often used to rule out appendicitis because it causes symptoms very similar to mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Treatment
In most cases, people get better without treatment within 1 month. Moreover, this condition does not cause any chronic (long-term) effects after recovery. However, some people may need some treatments to relieve the symptoms and treat infections. Check below some options often prescribed by doctors to treat mesenteric lymphadenitis:
- Antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat infections
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- A heating pad that may help relieve abdominal pain
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mesenteric lymphadenitis last?
Usually, the symptoms last several weeks, and most of the time, the condition goes away on its own without treatment.
Can my children go to school if they have mesenteric lymphadenitis?
Most children who develop this condition would not feel good enough to go to school or perform regular daily activities because they experience the following symptoms. These include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Generally, you or your child should visit a physician if any of the following symptoms occur. These include severe and sudden abdominal pain, fever, nausea, diarrhea, appetite changes, or sleep disturbances (insomnia). If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
