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Diagnosis of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is a condition in which the lymph nodes in the mesenteric membrane that connects the intestines to the abdominal wall become inflamed. The condition is oftentimes mistaken for an appendicitis emergency due to the pain involved and the fever that occurs. The condition occurs more often in children and teenagers than in adults. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls.

  1. Symptoms

    • Individuals suffering from mesenteric lymphadenitis experience pain in the lower portion of the abdomen, usually on the right-hand side. The individual may run a mild to high fever and feel ill in general. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be experienced. Mesenteric lymphadenitis occasionally occurs without symptoms being present and discovery occurs while testing for other illnesses.

    Causes

    • Mesenteric lymphadenitis results from an episode of gastroenteritis more often than from any other source of infection. Food and beverages have also been linked to causing the health condition. Undercooked pork products can lead to mesenteric lymphadenitis, and when this happens, the symptoms are usually more severe. Drinking unpasteurized fresh milk or contaminated water also leads to mesenteric lymphadenitis. If it is caused by a serious bacterial infection, sepsis may result from the infection spreading to the bloodstream.

    Diagnosis

    • Blood tests are the most common tool for diagnosing mesenteric lymphadenitis. In some instances, computed tomography (CT) or an ultrasound test will be conducted to verify that mesenteric lymphadenitis and not an appendicitis attack are the cause of the fever and abdominal pain. Inquiries are made in regard to any recent illnesses and dietary habits.

    Time Frame

    • Mesenteric lymphadenitis usually clears out of the body within days or weeks, depending on the severity and the cause of the condition. If the condition is the result of a bacterial infection, it will take at least a couple of weeks, and possibly a repeat visit to the doctor, to clear the body of the mesenteric lymphadenitis.

    Treatment

    • Moderate to severe bacterial infections resulting in mesenteric lymphadenitis are treated with a course of antibiotics. However, most cases are treated with over-the-counter medications for pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The individual requires plenty of rest, fluids and mild foods to avoid further upset to the gastrointestinal system. As with many illnesses, the individual runs a risk of becoming dehydrated due to the inability to retain fluids. Moist heat applied to abdominal region also brings relief.

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