Phlebitis: symptoms, causes, to medicines • hello healthy

Definition

What is phlebitis?

Phlebitis or phlebitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes blood to clot and block one or more veins, usually in your legs.

The affected vein may be near the surface of your skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis (DVT)).

The cause of this condition is trauma, surgery, or prolonged inactivity. DVT increases the risk of serious health problems. This condition is usually treated with blood thinners. Thrombophlebitis is also treated with blood thinners.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of phlebitis?

Symptoms of phlebitis include:

• General pain
• Hard lumps under the skin
• Red skin

Phlebitis can cause a low-grade fever or discharge of pus from the site of the phlebitis which indicates an infection (called septic thrombophlebitis). The veins may be seen in superficial (superficial) phlebitis.

Symptoms of DVT include red and swollen skin on the affected leg or hand. DVT that affects the feet can make walking difficult.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Should you go to the doctor?

You need to contact your doctor if you experience red and swollen veins, especially if you have one or more risk factors for thrombophlebitis.

Immediately go to the Emergency Room if:

• The veins are swollen and painful
• You also experience shortness of breath or chest pain, coughing up blood, or other symptoms that suggest a blood clot leading to your lungs (pulmonary embolism).

You may need help from others to get to the hospital. This is because you will have a hard time driving your own car.

Cause

What causes phlebitis?

Quoted from Web MD, the cause of superficial phlebitis can be a complication due to medical procedures or besah.

In addition, the Mayo Clinic mentions that the cause of thrombophlebitis is a blood clot, which can form in the blood as a result of the following:

• Inherited blood clotting disorders
• Being unable to move for a long time, such as during an injury or hospital stay.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for phlebitis?

The risk factors for increasing your developing phlebitis are:

• Long periods of inactivity, either because you are confined to bed or you have been traveling in a car or plane for an extended period of time
• Have varicose veins, which are a common cause of superficial phlebitis
• Have a pacemaker or have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) in a central vein, for the treatment of medical conditions, which can irritate blood vessel walls and reduce blood flow
• Pregnant or recently given birth
• Using birth control pills or hormone therapy, which can make your blood more likely to clot
• Have a family history of blood clotting disorders or a tendency to form blood clots
• Have had a previous episode of thrombophlebitis
• Have had a stroke
• Older than 60 years
• Being overweight or obese
• Suffering from cancer
• Smoke

If you have one or more risk factors, discuss prevention strategies with your doctor before taking long flights or road trips. Also discuss with your doctor if you are planning to have surgery that makes you have to stay sedentary.

Complications

What complications can I experience with phlebitis?

Complications from superficial thrombophlebitis are rare. However, if you develop DVT, your risk of serious complications increases. The complications of phlebitis are:

• Pulmonary embolism. If part of the vein clot dislodges, it can travel to your lungs, blocking the artery (embolism). This condition can be life threatening.
• Post-phlebitic syndrome. This condition, also known as post-thrombotic syndrome, can develop months or even years after you develop DVT. This condition can cause prolonged and possibly disabling pain and pain in the legs.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose your condition through a physical examination and your medical history.

Blood tests can be done to determine whether the cause is from a blood clotting disorder or the presence of a blood clot.

You may need compression stockings and possibly anti-inflammatory medication to control symptoms. Some cases may require antibiotics.

If you have a history of thrombophlebitis or if phlebitis may have spread to deep veins, you will need to take blood thinners for 3-6 months.

If you have signs of infection, you will need to take antibiotics. If superficial phlebitis has developed involving deep veins, this is a serious condition that requires hospitalization.

Ultrasound scans can locate blood clots, especially in the vessels in the upper leg. Sometimes, doctors can perform a procedure called a venogram to detect blood clots.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

How is phlebitis treated?

There is no specific therapy or treatment for phlebitis. Blood clots can dissolve on their own over time.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat phlebitis?

Some home remedies that can help treat phlebitis are:

• Support the feet higher than the heart
• Use medical stockings
• Keep moving actively to maintain smooth blood flow
• Take a pain reliever or apply a pain relieving ointment to the sore skin.

Prevention

What precautions can I take for this condition?

Sitting during long flights or in a car can cause your ankles and calves to swell and increase the risk of phlebitis. To help prevent phlebitis are:

• Take a walk. If you fly or take a train or bus, you can walk down the aisle in an hour or so. If you are driving, stop every hour and walk around.
• Move your feet regularly. Flex your ankles by stepping on the floor at least 10 times every hour.
• Many drink. You need to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.