Adenitis Health Dictionary

Inflammation of lymph nodes. Cervical adenitis (swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes in the neck) occurs in certain bacterial infections, especially tonsillitis, and glandular fever (see infectious mononucleosis). Mesenteric lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes inside the abdomen and is usually caused by viral infection. Treatment of adenitis may include analgesic drugs, and antibiotic drugs if there is a bacterial infection.

An inflammation of one or several lymph nodes, or related lymphoid tissues.

n. inflammation of a gland or group of glands (or glandlike structures). For example, mesenteric adenitis affects the lymph nodes (formerly called lymph glands) in the membranous support of the intestines (the mesentery). Causing abdominal pain, usually in children, it is a common, usually mild and self-limiting, condition. Cervical adenitis affects the lymph nodes in the neck.