Mesenteric Lymphadenitis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Mesenteric lymphadenitis happens when lymph nodes in the mesentery (the tissue connecting the bowel to the abdominal wall) become swollen and inflamed.
This condition primarily affects children and teenagers. The most common trigger is an intestinal infection, typically viral in nature.
The symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis can mimic more serious conditions like appendicitis or intussusception (where part of the intestine slides into another part). This similarity often causes concern for parents and healthcare providers alike.
Unlike those more serious conditions, mesenteric lymphadenitis generally resolves without medical intervention. The body’s immune system usually handles the underlying infection, allowing the lymph nodes to return to their normal size and state over time.
Proper diagnosis is important to distinguish this self-limiting condition from others that might require surgical treatment or other medical interventions.
Signs and Symptoms
Mesenteric lymphadenitis can cause the following symptoms:
- Pain in the belly, often in the lower right, but sometimes spread out
- A tender stomach when touched
- Fever
- Larger lymph nodes in the intestines
Other symptoms may include:
- Loose stools
- Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up
When To Call a Doctor
Stomach pain happens often in kids and teens. It’s not always easy to know when to get help.
Contact a doctor right away if your child has:
- Sudden bad pain in the stomach
- Stomach pain with fever
- Stomach pain with loose stools or throwing up
- A belly that hurts when touched
- Blood in the stool
Also call a doctor if your child has ongoing stomach pain and:
- Different bowel habits than normal
- Doesn’t want to eat
- Has trouble sleeping
These symptoms need quick attention to find out what’s wrong and get the right treatment.
Causes
Mesenteric lymphadenitis most often results from viral infections, particularly gastroenteritis (stomach flu). When this occurs, lymph nodes in the mesentery—the tissue connecting the intestine to the abdominal wall—become inflamed and swollen.
Other possible causes include:
- Bacterial infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Lymphoma
The body’s immune system responds to these conditions by activating the lymph nodes, which work to filter harmful substances and fight infection. This natural defense mechanism leads to the characteristic swelling seen in mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Risk Factors
Swollen lymph nodes in the bowel-connecting tissue can develop when infections cause inflammation. Several health issues raise the chance of this condition:
- Stomach bugs (viral or bacterial)
- Inflammatory bowel problems
- Cancer affecting the lymph system
When these conditions occur, they can trigger inflammation in the abdominal lymph nodes, causing pain and discomfort.
