Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Research reveals that in the United States out of 30 percent of the population who have phlebitis, 45 percent go on to develop deep vein thrombosis. Approximately 600,000 new cases of deep vein thrombosis are diagnosed annually. Of the 30 percent, 20 percent of patients have higher risk of death. For this reason, early diagnosis and treatment is essential for wellbeing.
What is Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis?
Phlebitis is when a vein, superficial or deep, becomes inflamed, typically in the leg. When a blood clot in the vein causes the inflammation, the condition is called Thrombophlebitis. This can occur in the arms or legs blocking the blood flow in the veins causing pain. The skin becomes red, swollen, tender, hard, and warm with presence of superficial veins.
The danger comes in if the blood clot travels through the veins to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism (infarct) that stops blood and oxygen flow destroying the affected lung.
Types of Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
The types include superficial phlebitis or venous thrombosis and deep vein thrombophlebitis.
Superficial phlebitis or venous thrombosis is when surface or varicose veins clot under the skin surface and cause inflammation, but is not life threatening. Venous and deep vein thrombophlebitis is life threatening because the clotting occurs in deep internal veins that lead to the heart and lungs.
Causes of Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis may be caused the following factors:
- Lifestyle
- - Long periods of inactivity without movement of the limbs to circulate blood flow
- - Diet and Obesity
- - Excess smoking and alcohol abuse
- Health conditions
- - Cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia, varicose veins
- - Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
- Medical treatments
- - Hormone Replacement Therapy
- - Contraceptive hormones, such as Progesterone
- - Antidepressants and Schizophrenia drugs such as Olanzepine
- - Intravenous catheters
- Injury to the legs or arms
Diagnosing Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Diagnosing Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis involves a physical examination of symptoms by a medical provider. Blood tests may be used to establish if a blood clot is present through D-dimer chemical. To identify where the clot is located, an ultrasound is necessary. Discussing medical history and medication use, family history, lifestyle and injury is part of the diagnostic process too.
Treatments for Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Remedies for self-treatment and management of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis include exercise or regular limb movement, use of anti-inflammatory agents like Ibuprofen help to reduce swelling and pain, wearing leg compression socks, and raising the limb when resting. Increasing Vitamin B (niacin) and Vitamin C intake helps to prevent clotting.
Under no circumstances should the affected limb be massaged, because the blood clot can break loose and travel to the heart, lungs or brain causing death.
Medical treatments for phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are:
Superficial Phlebitis
- Compression stockings
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Limb elevation
- Warm compresses
- Antibiotics
Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis
- taking an anticoagulant to thin the blood, such as Intravenous heparin, Lovenox and/or warfarin
- Surgery