What Is Mesenteric Lymphadenitis?
Lymph nodes are tissues that help the body in eliminating illnesses and infections. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is a condition in which the lymph nodes in the membrane attaching intestine to the abdominal wall, or mesentery, get inflamed. Being more common in teenagers and younger children, mesenteric lymphadenitis causes abdominal pain. However, the condition rarely gets too serious and is often cured by itself. The symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis are quite similar to the symptoms of appendicitis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mesenteric Lymphadenitis?
In some cases, symptoms do not show up at all in mesenteric lymphadenitis. Usually the following symptoms evolve:
- Abdominal pain; could be widespread at times.
- Fever.
- Abdominal sensitivity.
- Disturbed stomach and vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Feeling unwell.
When a combination of these symptoms arises, it is recommended to see a doctor to avoid complications.
What Causes Mesenteric Lymphadenitis?
Mesenteric lymphadenitis is usually caused due to a viral infection. Since lymph nodes in the mesentery are affected in this condition, the following infections are likely to result in mesenteric lymphadenitis:
- Gastroenteritis may be caused due to some bacterial infections.
- In children, Yersinia enterocolitica is a common cause leading to mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Apart from these common infections, some other factors that may cause mesenteric lymphadenitis include:
- Whipple disease; systematic bacterial infection.
- Tuberculosis.
- Acute terminal ileitis.
- Infections related to HIV.
- Appendix and pancreas inflammation.
- Connective tissue disease.
Can complications arise in mesenteric lymphadenitis:
Complications are unlikely to arise as mesenteric lymphadenitis gets cured by itself. However, if the condition is caused by a dangerous bacterial infection, an immediate treatment is required otherwise the infection may spread into the bloodstream and could be fatal.
How Is Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Diagnosed?
One or a combination of the following could be helpful in accurately diagnosing mesenteric lymphadenitis:
- Some specific blood tests.
- Computerized tomography or CT scan.
- Studying medical history to look for possible infections.
- Abdominal ultrasound.
How Is Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Treated?
As stated, the condition is often cured by itself and no specific treatment is required. However, if mesenteric lymphadenitis gets serious, the following medications could be helpful:
- Pain relievers and medicines that reduce fever could be consumed without any prescription given that aspirin must be avoided.
- Prescribed antibiotics are highly suggested if the condition gets worse over time.
To see if mesenteric lymphadenitis is getting worse or not, victims must look for symptoms. In some cases, symptoms do not show up at all. Still, condition could worsen and therefore consulting a doctor is necessary. Other than over-the-table medications and prescribed antibiotics, victims can use some simple tips to get pain and fever relief while at home:
- Drinking juices and other fluids to prevent dehydration.
- When heat moist is applied on abdomen, the pain could be reduced.
- Resting as much as possible is beneficial.
So even if mesenteric lymphadenitis becomes slightly serious, the mentioned medicines, antibiotics and home remedies could prevent the condition from being life-threatening.
By : Natural Health News