Have you never heard of mesenteric adenitis before? If not, you’re not alone. It’s not a super common medical condition, but it’s fairly common among kids and young teenagers.

Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team highlights what you need to know about it below, so keep reading to learn more!

What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdomen or stomach area. Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system, and they often become inflamed when they’re trying to filter a virus or bacteria from spreading to the rest of the body.

Mesenteric adenitis is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection in the intestines, in which case the mesenteric lymph nodes become large and tender as they work to localize the infection. If your child is suffering from the symptoms below, he or she likely is dealing with this infection.

Common Mesenteric Adenitis Symptoms

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

How Is Mesenteric Adenitis Treated?

Because mesenteric adenitis is frequently caused by a viral infection, it will usually need to run its course before it goes away completely. This condition has no long-term consequences and will go away after one to four weeks.

However, if the infection is bacterial, your doctor would most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat it. No matter the cause, we’ve listed a few ways your child can reduce the symptoms below.

Ways to Manage Symptoms

• Resting
• Drinking water to stay hydrated after vomiting and diarrhea
• Applying heat to the abdomen

Whether your child is dealing with something like mesenteric adenitis or a common summer ailment, like a bad sunburn or an infected bug bite, our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team is here to help! Don’t hesitate to stop by today.