Mesenteric Adenitis: How to Care for Your Child

Mesenteric adenitis is the swelling of lymph nodes in the mesentery. The mesentery is a membrane that connects the intestines to the back wall of the belly. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs. They are part of the body's immune system and help fight germs. Mesenteric adenitis causes belly pain. It usually gets better in a few weeks.

• Give your child any medicine as directed by the health care provider.

• If your child is uncomfortable and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin® or a store brand). Give exactly as directed.

• Let your child rest as needed.

• Have your child drink plenty of liquids.

• Your child may eat as usual.

• Bring your child to any follow-up appointments, if scheduled.

Your child:

• gets a fever

• has worsening belly pain

• looks sicker

• is drinking very little and has signs of dehydration such as a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with little or no tears, or peeing less often

• Your child has severe belly pain.

What causes mesenteric adenitis? A viral or bacterial infection can cause mesenteric adenitis. For example, it can happen after a gastrointestinal infection (a "stomach bug") or a respiratory infection, such as a cold.

How is mesenteric adenitis diagnosed? Belly pain can be a sign of many different illnesses. So health care providers usually need to run tests to diagnose mesenteric adenitis. These may include:

• blood and urine (pee) tests

• imaging tests such as an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan to look inside the belly