Thrombophlebitis
1. Definition[edit | edit source]
Thrombophlebitis is a circulatory problem that develops when a blood cloth slows the circulation in a vein. “Phlebitis” means a vein with inflammation (can be the result of swelling or irritation caused by trauma). [2]
2. Causes[edit | edit source]
Thrombophlebitis occurs mostly in the lower extremity. [3] It can happen right under the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or deeper in the leg (deep venous thrombosis).
The forming of the blood cloth can have many causes : sitting down for a long time, being hospitalized for a surgery, disorders that make you more likely to develop blood cloths, trauma, … [3]
But it also can be caused by varicose veins, underlying cancer, disruption of normal venous system drainage because of the removal of lymph nodes, intravenous drug use and patients with burns [1].
Also cigarette smoking combined with birth control pills is a risk factor. [1]
3. Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms associated with thrombophlebitis are inflammation and swelling of the body part, pain, skin redness and warmth and tenderness of the vein. [3]
Low grade fever may also be a symptom of superficial and deep phlebitis, higher fever may suggest and infection of the thrombophlebitis. [3]
4. Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Thrombophlebitis can be diagnosed based on physical examination and how the affected area looks. It may be needed to have your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition checked. [3]
You can also take a D-Dimer bloodtest (a normal D-Dimer makes the diagnosis of thrombophlebitis unlikely) or take an ultrasound of the area which can help in making the diagnosis of phlebitis or excluding it. [1]
5. Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment may depend on location, extent, symptoms and underlying medical condition, but in general it can be treated with :
- warm compresses
- elevation of the limb
- encouraging circulation (walking around)
- external compression with fitted stockings
- anti-inflammatory medication
- if deep venous thrombosis is the case : anti-coagulation (blood thinner)
Recovery can take from a few weeks to a couple of months. [1]
