A disease that causes inflammation of the lymph nodes is mesenteric adenitis. Kids and teens are mainly affected by this disease. Although abdominal pain or stomach pain is normal in children and is often associated with digestive problems, mesenteric adenitis can often be the reason. To learn about this Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids, read on.
What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?
The disorder causing inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, within the abdomen, is mesenteric adenitis or mesenteric lymphadenitis. A bean-shaped inner organ that comprises lymphocytes or white blood cells is the lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system. These lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system and help to philter out bacteria and various other kinds of germs from the body.
As it happens, the lymph nodes of the tissues often referred to as mesentery are affected. The intestines are bound to the inner lining of the abdominal wall by these tissues.
Causes of Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids
Lymph nodes which belong to the lymphatic system and are involved in the immune system all over the human body. They store White blood cells for infectious diseases and the lymph nodes in the vicinity of the infection become most influential and therefore swelling, painful, and contributing to abdominal discomfort when some kind of infection occurs. However, often such bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases of the bowel, or even cancer may cause mesenteric lymphatic nodes too, typically emerge because of viral infections.
Symptoms of Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids
Here are some symptoms of mesenteric adenitis that are common:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Lethargy or malaise
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal tenderness
- Weight loss
- Fever
Who’re The Most At Risk?
It can occur at any age but is commonly seen in children. If your child falls into any of the following categories, he or she may be considered at a higher risk of having this condition:
- If a respiratory infection or a cold virus has occurred in your children.
- And, If your child has eaten pork infected with Yersinia enterocolitica bacteria.
- If your child is having stomach flu.
Complications of Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids
Despite mesenteric adenitis, this is not a severe disease. However, this condition can result in any of the following complications in some cases:
- It can lead to arthralgia, also known as joint pain.
- If the child is vomiting or has extreme diarrhea, it can cause dehydration.
- It may form a pocket of pus or an abdominal abscess.
- Sepsis, which occurs because of the infection that results from the syndrome of the systemic inflammatory response, may result.
- It may lead to a rare condition in which, also known as peritonitis, the membrane covering the abdominal area becomes inflamed.
Diagnosing Of Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids
This condition can be difficult to diagnose often, as the discomfort of mesenteric adenitis can spread to a wider area. Here are some methods of diagnosis that a doctor can use to assess this condition:
- Checking the child’s medical history (such as any past bouts of cold, flu, fever, etc.) and physical evaluation (which could involve checking for belly tenderness or swelling).
- An ultrasound scan may be performed to verify if the intestinal walls have thickened or whether any visible enlargement of the mesenteric lymph node is present.
- To verify the presence and kind of infection, blood tests may be performed. In certain cases, this disease may be responsible for a number of diseases or even bacteria.
- Another method that uses an effective x-ray imaging technique is a CT or computed tomography scan to analyze the abdomen.
Prevention Of Mesenteric Adenitis In Kids
Mesenteric adenitis is difficult to prevent, but several precautions can be taken to avoid the risk of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to this disease. Some steps to avoid this infection in children are presented as follows:
- Don’t let your child get in touch directly or closely with people with bacterial or viral infections of some kind.
- Daily hand washing should be encouraged (for 15 to 20 seconds) to destroy or eliminate any harmful bacteria or virus that your child might have come into contact with. It is also beneficial to use alcohol-based sanitizers.
- It is essential to disinfect periodically places like bathrooms, kitchens, etc. that can be used as a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria when polluted.
- Make sure your child always drinks water filtered.
- Do not feed your child with any sort of unpasteurized milk. Before giving it to your kids, boil or heat the milk.
- Make sure that your meat, or poultry, is well cooked as uncooked meat, for example, chicken, turkey, beef, marine food, etc., often contains bacteria that may result in infections.
Treatment for Mesenteric Adenitis
This disorder typically needs no medication and improves itself in a few days. However, the doctor can prescribe antibiotic medication if the condition arises due to some form of bacterial infection. Painkillers can also often be prescribed by your doctor. But don’t give without any prescription to children to relieve pain because it can also cause a severe life-threatening disorder known as Reye syndrome.
When To Consult A Doctor
Children typically complain of stomach discomfort, which normally subsides on their own or by taking OTC and other medicines. However, symptoms may often become severe and medical procedures may be appropriate. Any signs that you ought to see a doctor may be an indication here:
- If the symptoms of your child don’t lessen and the disease gets worse.
- When your child vomits, has or loses weight, fever, or diarrhea.
- Intensification or unbearably of abdominal pain.
- If your child gets too little urine through it.
- If your child is exhausted, pale, or begins to sweat effortlessly.
- When it’s difficult for your child to get through gas or stool.
If your child shows any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you should contact your physician to exclude any complications. Timely diagnosis will help the doctor recommend the same treatment.
