What is mesentery?

A mesentery in the human body is a continuous group of tissues in the belly. It holds the intestines in place by fastening them to the abdominal wall. The mesentery is a single organ but contains many parts such as small-intestinal mesentery, right mesocolon, transverse mesocolon, left mesocolon, mesosigmoid, and mesorectum. 

What are the functions of the mesentery?

The mesentery anatomy is made up of complex arrays of lymph vessels, blood vessels, and immune cells. It is a complex organ that transports nutrients to the blood which distributes it all over the body and shields the body from various bacterial infections. The mesentery allows the lymph vessels to reach the intestines because lymph vessels are responsible for protecting the body from illness-causing bacteria and viruses, maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing the fats of the digestive tract, and removing cellular waste. Lymph nodes are the tissues that stick the intestines to the abdominal wall. 

Mesentery inflammation

‘Mesenteric lymphadenitis’ is also known as ‘mesenteric adenitis’ is an inflammation in the lymph nodes. The most common cause of mesentery inflammation is due to a bacterial or viral stomach bug or due to cancers such as breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, or lymphoma( cancer of the lymphatic system). 

Symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis

Listed below are some of the common symptoms:

• High temperature
• Loss of appetite
• Increased white blood cell count
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Change in bowel habits
• Abdominal discomfort that keeps you up at night
• Feeling energy less
• Sore throat
• Severe abdominal pain especially on the lower right side of the abdomen.

Difference between mesenteric lymphadenitis and appendicitis

Appendicitis is caused when there is inflammation in the appendix. The symptoms vary as appendicitis always starts with sudden and severe lower abdominal pain, finding difficulty farting, low fever, swollen belly, and experiencing cramps while sneezings or coughing. Appendicitis is a serious condition that usually requires surgery to remove the appendix. 

How is mesenteric lymphadenitis diagnosed?

Blood tests and blood count examinations are advised by a health care provider. To determine, if it is mesenteric lymphadenitis or appendicitis, imaging tests including an ultrasound and a CT scan will also be performed.

Foods that are great for the lymphatic system

• Water keeps the system hydrated and drinking fresh purified water can keep one away from bacteria and viruses that cause illness.
• Chlorophyll-rich leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and wheat grass, have strong cleaning capabilities and are a fantastic source of minerals for the blood.
• Avocado and coconut are good at fighting inflammation. 
• Garlic boosts the immune system, fights against the invaders like microbes, contains antibacterial compounds, and helps in the cleansing of toxins.
• Citrus fruits assist the body stay hydrated, contain potent antioxidants and enzymes, and help to clean and safeguard the lymphatic system. 

Prevention 

• Always stay neat and clean.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after meals.
• Carefully clean yourself, once you reach your home.
• Eat fully cooked meat like chicken, pork, and beef.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and make sure the water is clean and safe.