Mesenteric adenitis (mez-en-TAIR-ik ad-ih-NYE-tis) 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. They swell when they are fighting an infection or inflammation. 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.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• 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 medical visits, 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 lymph nodes in the mesentery to swell. For example, it usually happens after a gastrointestinal infection (a "stomach bug") or a respiratory infection, such as a cold. Rarely, lymph nodes can get swollen from another health problem.