How to Treat Mesenteric Adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen and may also be called mesenteric lymphadenitis. The typical symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. It usually occurs in children and is frequently mistaken for appendicitis when the symptoms occur in the lower quadrant of the abdomen. Mesenteric adenitis may also be completely asymptomatic and detected only from an imaging scan.

Instructions

• 1

  Allow mesenteric lymphadenitis to resolve spontaneously in most cases. This disease is rarely serious and typically clears by itself within a few weeks.

• 2

  Know when to call a doctor. While children frequently have abdominal pain, you should call a doctor when your child has severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea or vomiting. These symtoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis may require overnight observation in a hospital setting. You should also call a doctor even for mild symptoms if they don't resolve within five days.

• 3

  Relieve mild symptoms of mesenteric adenitis with medication. Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen may help relieve pain, and paracetamol may be effective for relieving fever. Be sure the ill person stays hydrated. Severe vomiting may cause dehydration, which could be deadly.

• 4

  Be prepared for more extensive treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for moderate bacterial infections and severe cases may require the surgical removal of diseased bowel and possibly the appendix.

• 5

  Use home remedies to provide supportive care for mesenteric adenitis. These measures include getting plenty of rest, drinking extra fluids and applying a warm moist washcloth to the abdomen to relieve pain.