What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

Although it’s not the most common type of stomach condition among adults, mesenteric adenitis is fairly common among children under the age of 16.

Never heard of it? Don’t worry—our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team is here to help you feel more informed about it. Keep reading.

What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis (also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis) is the swelling of the lymph nodes in the abdomen. Although technically anyone at any age can get it, it’s rare among adults, as we said earlier.

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. Although adenitis can be painful, it doesn’t cause any lasting medical issues and will usually clear up on its own after between one and four weeks.

Common Mesenteric Adenitis Symptoms

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

How Is Mesenteric Adenitis Diagnosed?

We’ve laid out the typical diagnosis steps in the section below.

Adults can get mesenteric adenitis, too, despite it being most common among children and young teens. So, if you experience the symptoms that we’ve listed earlier, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center. We will confirm the diagnosis and put you on a treatment plan.

Ways Mesenteric Adenitis Is Diagnosed

  • Doctor will examine a person and look at his or her medical history.
  • Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CTG scan of the abdomen, will reveal whether the person has mesenteric adenitis or appendicitis.
  • A scan may show that the lymph nodes are enlarged, or that the wall of the intestine is thickened.
  • Blood sample could be taken for a laboratory test. This will reveal if an infection is present, and if there is one, which type it is. The bacteria most likely to cause mesenteric adenitis is Yersinia enterocolitia.

We can provide diagnosis and treatment for all kinds of non-emergency medical issues! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team today.