How to treat mesenteric lymphadenitis

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Lymphadenitis is a condition which the lymph nodes which is the tissues that is helping the body fight off illness becomes inflamed. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes found in the membrane that attaches the intestines or bowel to the abdominal wall or mesentery and it usually results from an infection of the intestines. Mesenteric lymphadenitis sometimes imitates the symptoms of appendicitis. If you want to learn more about this condition, read here.

Symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis

  • There is an abdominal tenderness and fever
  • Abdominal pain can be felt on the center on the lower, right side, but sometimes the pain can spread to some parts of the body
  • Experiencing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
  • A feeling of being unwell or malaise
Mesenteric lymphadenitis
Abdominal pain can be felt on the center on the lower, right side, but sometimes the pain can spread to some parts of the body

Some severe symptoms including the following:

  • Sudden and severe pain together with fever
  • Abdominal pain with diarrhea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain with loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain with changes in bowel habits and interferes with sleep

Causes of mesenteric lymphadenitis

Mesenteric lymphadenitis is caused by occurrences of gastroenteritis more often from other sources of infections. Eating undercooked pork products can cause mesenteric lymphadenitis and the symptoms are severe. Drinking of unpasteurized fresh milk or contaminated water can cause mesenteric lymphadenitis. If a bacterial infection causes the mesenteric lymphadenitis, it can result to sepsis that can spread to the blood stream.

Infections that cause mesenteric lymphadenitis include the following:

Gastroenteritis is caused by viral infections like rotavirus or norovirus and also from bacterial infections like salmonella, staphylococcus or streptococcus gastroenteritis and it can be mistaken as stomach flu.

Yersinia enterocolitica is the most common cause of mesenteric lymphadenitis that usually affects children. This bacteria causes gastroenteritis and other conditions like Crohn’s disease and acute appendicitis.

Other potential infections

  • Some infections that are related to HIV
  • A bacterial infection such as tuberculosis which attacks the lungs and can also affect other parts of the body.
  • A bacterial infection known as Whipple disease
  • An inflammation found at the end of the small intestine known as acute terminal ileitis and is caused by bacteria or Crohn’s disease.

Treatment and home remedies

  • Allow mesenteric lymphadenitis to heal on its own since this disease is not severe and usually clears within a few weeks.
  • If the affected person or child has severe abdominal pain, vomiting and bloody diarrhea, there is a need to seek a medical help and these symptoms requires an overnight observation in a hospital.
  • In order to relieve the mild symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis, take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen in order to minimize the pain, and paracetamol for controlling fever.
  • Keep the person or child hydrated because severe vomiting can cause serious problems later on.
  • Prepare for more extensive treatment like taking prescribed antibiotics for moderate infections caused by bacteria and a severe case that requires surgical removal of the diseased bowel and maybe the appendix.
  • Apply a warm and moist wash cloth to the abdomen in order to relieve pain.

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