Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes that are attached to the intestine that causes the onset of severe abdominal pain, similar to an acute appendicitis.
Mesenteric adenitis is usually not severe, and is more common in children and adolescents under 16 years of age due to viral infections in the intestines that disappear without any treatment.
Mesenteric adenitis is cured by treating the cause of the problem with the use of antibiotics, for example.
Treatment for mesenteric adenitis
Treatment for mesenteric adenitis should be guided by a gastroenterologist, in the case of the adult, or by a pediatrician, in the case of the child and usually depends on the cause of the problem.
So if the cause of mesenteric adenitis is a viral infection, the doctor will recommend analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, to control symptoms until the body eliminates the virus.
However, if the problem is being caused by a bacterial infection, it may be necessary to use antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Ciprofloxacin, for example, in addition to the remedies to control the symptoms.
Here's how to speed up treatment in: Treatment for intestinal infection.
Symptoms of mesenteric adenitis
The main symptoms of mesenteric adenitis include:
- Severe abdominal pain on the right side of the belly;
- Fever above 38º;
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
In more rare cases, mesenteric adenitis may not cause symptoms, being diagnosed during routine exams such as abdominal ultrasound, for example. In these cases, even without causing symptoms, it is necessary to identify the cause of the problem to make the appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis
The diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis is made through imaging tests such as computed tomography and ultrasonography. In some cases, the doctor may also ask for a stool test to evaluate the presence of microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria.
Learn more about intestinal infection in:
- Infantile intestinal infection
- Symptoms of intestinal infection
