Mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis is swelling of the mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen (tummy area) that causes abdominal (tummy pain). 

It's usually caused by an infection. The condition is common, not harmful and usually starts to get better on its own within a few days. It usually clears completely in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Mesenteric adenitis most often affects children, teenagers and young adults.

It is also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis.

Common symptoms of mesenteric adenitis include:

• abdominal pain — usually in the middle of your tummy area near your belly button, but you may also feel it in the lower right-hand side
• fever (high temperature)
• diarrhoea (loose frequent poo)
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• a sore throat 
• swollen lymph nodes

Mesenteric adenitis is most often caused by a virus. These can include having a cold (adenovirus), Epstein-Barr virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

The condition is more common in children with upper respiratory tract infections or a bowel infection (gastroenteritis or ‘gastro’).

The infection leads to inflammation of the lymph nodes, making them swell. 

It can also be caused by bacterial infections such as Yersinia enterocolitica. These bacteria are found in raw or undercooked food or untreated water (water that may contain germs).

Sometimes the cause is not known.

If you have mesenteric adenitis, you will usually get better within 2 to 4 weeks without any treatment. If your pain or your child's pain continues or if symptoms are worrying you, see a doctor for advice.

See a doctor if you or your child have any of the following:

• A high temperature (38°C or higher) — children younger than 3 months of age should be taken straight to a hospital emergency department.
• Pain that doesn't get better.
• Your child is refusing to drink.
• Symptoms are getting worse.
• There is blood in the stool (poo).
• There are signs of dehydration, such as cool, pale or mottled skin or less urine (wee) than usual.
• Your child can’t walk or jump, or has pain in the testicles.

Doctors diagnose this condition by checking your symptoms and doing a physical examination. It can be hard to diagnose because symptoms are similar to other conditions, for example appendicitis.

Your doctor may recommend tests to rule out other causes of abdominal pain such as:

• blood tests
• urine or stool (poo) tests
• imaging scans such as an ultrasound

They may also wait and see, by checking if your symptoms change.

Usually, you don't need treatment for mesenteric adenitis. Your doctor may recommend you or your child:

• use pain relief medicine, such as paracetamol
• stay hydrated and drink water
• take antibiotics (only if they think the cause may be bacterial)

Make sure to get plenty of rest. Your doctor will tell you what symptoms to watch out for, and if you need to come back for another examination. Usually, you'll start feeling better in a few days, and you should be completely better within 2 weeks.

Should I keep my child home from school?

Some symptoms of mesenteric adenitis mean you need to keep them home from day care or school. 

Here's a list of common childhood illnesses, including colds and diarrhoea, and their recommended exclusion periods.

Mesenteric adenitis usually gets better on its own and complications are rare. They may include:

• dehydration or electrolyte (salt) imbalance due to severe diarrhoea or vomiting
• abscesses forming in the lymph nodes
• peritonitis
• sepsis

Tips to help prevent and reduce the spread of viral or bacterial infections include general good hygiene include the following:

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or your inner elbow.
• After you use tissues, throw them away into a bin with a lid.
• Wash your hands with soap or use hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face.
• Don't share cups, glasses, or utensils with others.
• Stay up to date with all recommended vaccines.

Help prevent bacterial infections by cooking meat thoroughly and avoid untreated water.

The Royal Children’s Hospital has translated fact sheets (Opens in new tab) in languages other than English including gastroenteritis, fever in children and viral illnesses.

The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (Opens in new tab) has information on hand hygiene in community languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Watch the No Germs on Me (Opens in new tab) video on hand washing.