What is mesenteric adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis means the swelling of lymph nodes in the abdomen (tummy area). The name comes from mesentery — this is the part of the abdomen where the nodes are located.

Mesenteric adenitis is a common cause of tummy pain in children under 16 years old. It can also happen to young adults.

It's often caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or bowel infection. It usually gets better on its own. Symptoms often improve within a few days and clear completely in about 2 weeks.

It is also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis.

What are the symptoms of mesenteric adenitis?

Common symptoms of mesenteric adenitis include:

• tummy 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 stools or poo)
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• reduced appetite (feeling less hungry)
• feeling tired or having less energy

You may have had a sore throat or symptoms of a cold before the abdominal pain started.

What causes mesenteric adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis is most often caused by a virus. The infection (germ) can start anywhere, but it usually comes from having a cold or a bowel infection.

The germ is swallowed and enters the bloodstream through the bowels. It then settles in the lymph nodes around your bowels, making them swell. The swollen lymph nodes cause pain and a high temperature.

It can also be caused by bacterial infections such as yersinia. These bacteria are found in food or water contaminated by human or animal faeces (poo).

Sometimes the cause is not known.

When should I see my doctor?

You will usually get better quickly without any treatment. If your or your child's pain or problems last for more than a day, or if symptoms are worrying you, see a doctor for advice.

See a doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible if your child has:

• a high temperature (over 38 degrees) — children less than 3 months should be taken straight to a hospital emergency department
• pain that doesn't get better
• symptoms that can't be managed at home, such as feeling unusually tired or if your child is refusing to drink
• symptoms that are getting worse, such as vomiting or diarrhoea
• new symptoms, such as vomiting dark green bile, back pain, or blood in their stool (poo)
• signs of dehydration, such as cool or red-purplish marbled skin, dark urine (wee), feeling weak or dizzy, or having dry lips or tongue, or a baby with fewer than 4 wet nappies a day

If you are an adult and you have these symptoms, you should also see a doctor.

If you or your child are male and have abdominal pain and severe or sudden pain in the testicles, seek medical help immediately.

If you're unsure where to take your child or need more advice, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

How is mesenteric adenitis diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose this condition by looking at your symptoms and doing a physical examination. If you have typical symptoms and there's no other reason causing the pain, your doctor may think it's mesenteric adenitis.

It's hard to be sure because the swollen lymph nodes are deep inside the tummy and can't be seen or felt. This is why doctors usually diagnose it by ruling out other conditions, such as appendicitis.

Your doctor can decide to:

• wait and see — by checking a few hours later to see if your symptoms have changed
• refer you to hospital — where you will be checked by a specially trained doctor or surgeon
• refer you for tests — to check for other conditions

Can tests diagnose mesenteric adenitis?

There is no test that can say for sure if you have mesenteric adenitis. Doctors might do tests to see if something else is causing the pain. These tests could include:

• blood or urine tests to check for an infection
• scans such as an ultrasound or CT scan

Sometimes, these scans show swollen glands, which might mean you have mesenteric adenitis.

How is mesenteric adenitis treated?

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

• use pain relief medicine, such as paracetamol
• drink water and electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated
• take antibiotics if your doctor thinks it's caused by a bacterial infection, but this is rare

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.

Can mesenteric adenitis be prevented?

You can help prevent getting and spreading viral or bacterial infections with good hygiene:

• 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 unpasteurised milk.

Complications of mesenteric adenitis

Mesenteric adenitis usually gets better on its own and doesn't cause any complications.

Resources and support

• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
• The Pregnancy, Birth and Baby video call service allows you to speak face-to-face with a maternal child health nurse. Video call is a free service and is available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).
• Visit SA Health for more information about ways infectious diseases are spread.
• Read about abdominal pain and stomach ache from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network or the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.
• Health Translations has translated information on many health topics including foodborne diseases.