Phlebitis & Thrombophlebitis

Flee-What??

The word phlebitis actually means "inflammation of the vein" and may be the result of infected tissue next to the vein, or from shock or trauma from surgery or childbirth.  Another cause may be long periods of time in bed, immobile, which hinders the flow of blood to the legs.  Other predisposing factors can be varicose veins and obesity. however, in many cases the exact cause is not known.

If phlebitis, which can often last for years, goes unchecked, it can affect the inner lining of the vein with inflammation and irritation ultimately causing a blood clot.  This end condition is called thrombophlebitis.

Usually phlebitis happens in a superficial vein of the lower leg.  Should it occur in a deeper vein, the condition becomes much worse as the clot can break away and circulate within the bloodstream possibly causing circulatory obstruction. Phlebitis symptoms appear as localized pan, swelling, redness and warmth above the inflamed vein.  In a superficial vein, phlebitis is comparatively easy to deal with and can be treated with mild analgesics, raising the leg and resting.  Once the inflammation goes, light exercise is recommended.  Should the condition appear in a deep vein, or if it becomes more serious, medications are administered to prevent blood clots from forming.

Thrombophlebitis, An Extension Of Phlebitis

Pregnant women and people who already have varicose veins can be prime candidates for thrombophlebitis.  While most cases of thrombophlebitis happen for no apparent reason, sometimes a slight injury can induce inflammation.  Superficial thrombophlebitis is generally not very serious.  However at times complications do occur.  Inflammation and pain normally settle down within a few weeks and most people recover fully.  The possible complications listed below are rare but it is always wise to be advised of potential effects in order to be able to take appropriate action if necessary.

Thrombophlebitis and DVT

There are times when the vein can become infected.  Should that happen, the pain probably will become worse and redness will spread on the legs.  There is a general feeling of malaise and the infection may require antibiotics.  Blood clotting can extend further up the vein and may end up joining a deep vein which, in turn, can create deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  The occurrence of this situation is more possible if the superficial thrombosis is in the upper thigh or if the phlebitis develops in an otherwise normal vein.  Rarely, if superficial thrombophlebitis recurs can it indicate a more serious situation.  Still, it is recommended that attendance of a physician and extended tests be done in such a situation.