Explanation of phlebitis: causes, symptoms and treatments of this disease that affects the veins. Learn more here.

Phlebitis, also known as superficial thrombophlebitis, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of veins, primarily located near the surface of the skin. This condition occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, causing pain, swelling and redness. Phlebitis usually affects the legs, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. It is essential to know the causes, symptoms and treatment options available to effectively treat this condition.

• Causes: Phlebitis can be caused by factors such as vein injuries, prolonged immobility, varicose veins, intravenous drug use, and underlying diseases such as obesity, pregnancy, and cancer.
• Symptoms: The most common symptoms of phlebitis include pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling around the affected area. In severe cases, the skin may appear discolored and feel hard.
• Treatment: Treatment of phlebitis aims to reduce pain, resolve inflammation, and prevent blood clots. This may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), compression stockings, elevation of the affected limb, and, in some cases, blood-thinning medications.

Since untreated phlebitis can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. The exact approach to treatment can vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of phlebitis, so it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Definition and Overview

This condition is usually caused by the formation of a blood clot in a vein, which can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as prolonged periods of inactivity, injuries to the vein, or medical conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting. Common risk factors for phlebitis include obesity, smoking, pregnancy, hormone therapy, and certain medical conditions such as cancer, varicose veins, or autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms and Complications

• Redness and heat over the affected vein
• Pain and sensitivity
• Swelling and a lump or cord sensation

In some cases, phlebitis can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis (TVP), a more serious condition in which a blood clot forms in a deeper vein. If the clot emerges and moves to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical urgency. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if it experiences symptoms of phlebitis to prevent possible complications.

Treatment and Prevention

1. Apply hot compresses and raise the affected area
2. Take free sale analgesics
3. Use compression stockings or bandages to improve blood flow

Note: It is essential to avoid sel f-diagnosis and sel f-treatment when it comes to phlebitis. Only a healthcare professional can provide a precise diagnosis and recommend adequate treatment options based on gravity and the underlying cause of the condition.

To prevent phlebitis, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk factors associated with the disease. This includes performing regular physical activity to improve blood circulation, avoid prolonged periods of inactivity, maintain a healthy weight and go to the doctor if you suffer from any underlying disease that can increase the risk of coagulous formation.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Venous Catheters

One of the frequent causes of phlebitis is the presence of venous catheters, which are fine tubes that are introduced into a vein to allow the administration of medicines or liquids directly into the bloodstream. When a catheter remains placed for a prolonged period, it can irritate the coating of the vein, which causes inflammation and the formation of a clot. This can occur in people who receive lon g-term intravenous therapy or who need frequent blood extractions, such as patients with chronic diseases or who receive chemotherapy treatment.

2. Trauma or Injury

Trauma or lesions in a vein can also trigger phlebitis. This may include actions such as intravenous injections or intravenous drug use, which can cause vein irritation and consequent inflammation. In some cases, medical procedures such as prolonged immobility surgery or periods can contribute to the development of phlebitis. In addition, physical trauma, such as a direct blow in a vein or an injury due to repetitive movements, can also cause inflammation and formation of blood clots.

3. Pre-existing Conditions

Certain pre-existing medical conditions can increase the risk of developing phlebitis. People with varicose veins, which are swollen, twisted veins near the surface of the skin, are more prone to inflammation and clot formation. Other conditions that can contribute to phlebitis include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), obesity, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and conditions that affect blood clotting, such as the factor V Leiden mutation. Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or taking hormonal contraceptives, can also increase the risk of phlebitis.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of phlebitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, people may only experience localized pain and tenderness in the affected area. However, as the inflammation progresses, the symptoms may become more pronounced. These may include redness and warmth over the affected vein, swelling, and a hardening or cording sensation under the skin. In some cases, the vein may also appear visibly swollen or enlarged.

Diagnosing phlebitis usually involves a combination of physical examination and review of medical history. During the physical examination, the doctor may carefully palpate the affected area to assess tenderness and swelling. He can also visually inspect the veins and note any changes in their appearance. Additionally, a thorough review of your medical history will help your healthcare professional identify potential risk factors and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Note: It is important to differentiate between superficial thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as they require different treatments. DVT is a more serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or discoloration that extends beyond the site of inflammation, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to rule out DVT.

Common Symptoms of Phlebitis:

• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Redness and heat over the vein
• Swelling
• Hardening or cord-like sensation under the skin
• Enlarged or visible veins

Diagnosis of Phlebitis:

1. Physical examination to assess tenderness and inflammation
2. Visual inspection of affected veins
3. Review of medical history to identify risk factors

Treatment Options for Phlebitis

1. Non-surgical treatment: In mild cases of superficial phlebitis, non-surgical treatment options are usually sufficient. These may include:

• Compression therapy: Wearing compression stockings or bandages helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Leg elevation: Elevating the affected leg can help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Topical medications: Applying anti-inflammatory creams or ointments to the affected area can help relieve symptoms.

2. Medications: In more severe cases or when a blood clot is present, medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and prevent more clots from forming. These may include:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Anticoagulants: Also known as anticoagulants, these medications can prevent new blood clots from forming or help dissolve existing clots.

Note: It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood tests may be necessary.

3. 3. Surgical intervention: In certain cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat phlebitis. This is more common in cases of deep vein thrombosis or when conservative treatments fail. Surgical options may include:

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper phlebitis treatment plan. Treatment options may vary on a case-by-case basis and should be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and medical history.

Complications and Prevention

One of the possible complications of phlebitis is the formation of blood clots, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can obstruct blood flow and pose a serious risk if they break off and travel to vital organs, causing a pulmonary embolism. To prevent the appearance of deep vein thrombosis, it is essential to promote good blood circulation. This can be achieved by exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged periods of immobility and wearing compression stockings to improve blood flow in the legs.

Complications of Phlebitis:

1. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
2. Pulmonary embolism
3. Superficial thrombophlebitis
4. Cellulitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is another complication that can appear along with phlebitis. This condition consists in inflammation of veins near the surface of the skin, normally on the legs. It usually occurs as a reddened, sensitive and swollen area along the path of the affected vein. To treat this complication, hot and ant i-inflammatory compresses can be recommended, as well as raising the affected limb to reduce swelling.

Important note: In severe cases of superficial thrombophlebitis or when it occurs together with a TVP, it may be necessary to perform an additional medical evaluation and treatment.

Cellulite, a bacterial skin infection, is also a potential complication, since phlebitis can weaken the natural barriers of the veins, making them more susceptible to infection. To minimize the risk of cellulite, it is essential to properly care for wounds and keep the affected and dry area. If signs of infection are observed, such as redness, heat and increase in pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to receive proper treatment.

Prevention of Phlebitis:

• Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity or immobility
• Exercise regularly to promote healthy blood flow
• Keep a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking

Phlebitis vs. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Flebitis, also known as superficial thrombophlebitis, is the inflammation of a superficial vein close to the surface of the skin. It occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the surface veins of the body, normally on the legs. Flebitis may be due to several factors, such as prolonged inactivity, an vein injury or an infection. The usual symptoms of phlebitis are redness, heat and sensitivity in the affected area, as well as swelling and pain.

On the other hand, deep vein thrombosis (TVP) is a more serious condition that affects the deep veins of the body, normally in the legs. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, obstructing blood flow. Unlike phlegitis, which mainly affects superficial veins, TVP raises a greater risk of complications, such as a pulmonary embolism, a potentially deadly condition in which the blood clot moves to the lungs. TVP symptoms can include swelling, pain, heat and discoloration of the affected limb. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all people with TVP experience perceptible symptoms.

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Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont