Phlebitis: Nature, Symptoms And Treatment
Phlebitis is characterized by the appearance of a clot in a vein or a group of veins, whether superficial or internal. Processing is generally fairly straightforward, but requires speed.
Phlebitis, also called thrombophlebitis, is an inflammatory process that results from the formation of a blood clot that blocks one or more veins, usually in the leg. There are two main types: superficial – near the outermost parts of the skin – and deep – inside a muscle -.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is a fairly common condition according to professional medical portals, as it is estimated that 3-11% of the general population suffers from it at some point. Its appearance is more common after the sixth decade of life and in women.
Main symptoms of phlebitis
As mentioned above, phlebitis falls into two categories: superficial and deep – also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. The clinical signs vary according to each one. Still, the United States National Library of Medicine shows the general symptoms:
- Swelling of the affected part of the body : this usually occurs in the leg
- Pain in this area
- Redness of the skin : not always present
- Heat : with tenderness on the blocked vein
Superficial thrombophlebitis is accompanied by redness of the skin. Also, a hard red cord that is tender to the touch may appear under the skin. DVT is less obvious because it is characterized by generalized pain and swelling.
The causes of phlebitis
Phlebitis occurs when a blood clot settles in one or more veins, causing them to swell. The Mayo Clinic and other sources already cited show us the most common causes of this pathology. Among these, we can mention the following:
- A venous lesion
- An inherited bleeding disorder
- Stay still for a long time, as in the case of people admitted to hospital
- A pacemaker catheter that is passed into the vein through the groin
- Pregnancy and childbirth in the last 6 months
- Obesity and overweight
Usually, venous clots appear when something slows down or changes the flow of blood through the veins. Any condition that has this side effect (from obesity to certain surgical procedures) can lead to superficial or deep phlebitis.
How is the disease diagnosed?
The healthcare provider will usually diagnose the patient based on the appearance of the affected area. However, if the underlying cause of the phlebitis cannot be easily identified, blood clotting studies, venography – x-rays to visualize the veins – genetic testing and special types of ultrasound may be needed.
Risk groups and complications of phlebitis
The average age of patients with phlebitis is over 60 years, mostly women. In addition, 90% of superficial thrombophlebitis are associated with people with varicose veins, while only 10% of them are associated with patients with healthy veins.
According to the AXA Healthkeeper Foundation, there are several risk factors that promote the development of phlebitis. These include the following:
- Obesity : it represents a great risk for multiple heart diseases. Without going any further, and as medical studies indicate, excess body mass is associated with cardiovascular disease, heart failure and sudden death.
- Smoking : predisposes to the formation of thrombi in the arteries and veins.
- Hormonal therapy : Birth control pills and replacement hormones may make the blood more likely to clot in some patients.
- Prolonged immobilization : this may be due to hospital admissions or an overly sedentary lifestyle.
Beyond these common events, it can also be caused by the presence of pacemakers in the central veins, a family history of blood clotting disorders, a history of stroke, and many other clinical conditions. Any pathology that changes the venous flow can lead to phlebitis.
As for complications, if phlebitis is identified at an early stage, it can be treated appropriately. If not properly treated, a blood clot can unfortunately develop in the lungs, in a case known as pulmonary embolism.
Treatments available
The angiologist and the vascular surgeon are the professionals responsible for the treatment of phlebitis. The health care provider usually prescribes the following medications for milder cases: pain relievers, blood thinners, and antithrombotics to dissolve the clot.
In patients whose condition is more difficult to treat, surgical removal of the blocked vein may be considered if it is superficial. A venous bypass can also be done. These procedures are much less common than those already mentioned.
Take action to prevent phlebitis
As you may have noticed, phlebitis is a fairly common condition. It is especially so in people of advanced age who have varicose veins in the legs. This is a clinical condition with a positive prognosis, but if not treated in time, it can worsen.
To avoid phlebitis, the best thing you can do is to lead a healthy lifestyle: get active, exercise, not smoke, and avoid high calorie foods. Obesity can cause multiple diseases, including blood clots.
