Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, causing severe abdominal pain and often confused with appendicitis. Treatment is usually supportive care, and patients are monitored for signs of complications. The causes are unknown, and prevention is not possible, but staying healthy can help avoid inflammation and infections.
Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, located in the lower right area of the abdomen near the appendix. This condition causes severe abdominal pain and is sometimes confused with appendicitis, as the symptoms are similar. Treatment is usually supportive care, as it often resolves on its own, although the patient is monitored for signs of ruptured lymph nodes and release of infectious material into the bloodstream, a rare and potentially fatal complication.
Lymph nodes act as gathering points for bacteria and other foreign particles to find their way into the body and are absorbed by the immune system. As such, they are common sites for infection and inflammation. In the case of mesenteric adenitis, also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis, the lymph nodes become swollen and tender. The patient may experience a sore throat and pain located around the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Once the body fights off the infection, the patient will start to feel better.
The frequent confusion of this condition with appendicitis often leads patients to a doctor’s office or hospital for evaluation. To rule out appendicitis, medical imaging studies of the abdomen may be done to get an idea of what is going on inside the body. If the appendix appears normal, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and sent home with directions to call if symptoms become more severe.
Providing the patient with plenty of fluids, warm conditions, and adequate nutrition is usually all that is needed to help a patient recover from mesenteric adenitis. In cases where the lymph nodes rupture, the patient will develop acute fever, chills, and severe abdominal pain. Patients experiencing these symptoms should be taken to a doctor for immediate evaluation and treatment. Interventions may include aggressive antibiotics to kill bacteria in the bloodstream.
The causes of mesenteric adenitis are not well understood; patients tend to have a history of the disease before mesenteric adenitis develops, but no specific risk factors are known. There is nothing patients can do to prevent this condition, although trying to stay healthy can often help people avoid common inflammation and infections. Treating mild illnesses with rest and fluids will help prevent more serious complications from developing later, and can limit the risk of lymph node inflammation by reducing the amount of work for the immune system.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
