Understanding And Preventing Phlebitis
Phlebitis is a disease that is characterized by an inflammation in the veins. This disease can affect both the deeper part of the veins as well as the surface. The type that affects the skin surface is called superficial phlebitis. This type of phlebitis is not considered serious. In fact, self-care treatments may be implemented to address it.
The type that affects the deep veins is called deep vein thrombophebitis. This is the type that usually targets the blood vessels located deep inside the legs. When blood clots form in these parts, they could break off and go to the lungs. And when this happen, a much serious disease, called the pulmonary embolism, occurs.
Causes of Phlebitis
Phlebitis is sometimes caused by a certain medical and surgical procedure. It may also be caused by an injury to the lower extremities. But often times, it develops primarily due to a person’s lifestyle. Prolonged inactivity, such as sitting still for hours traveling or overstaying in bed, would cause the blood not to flow properly into the legs. As a result, blood would pool and blood clot forms. This is the onset of phlebitis.
People who don’t get much exercise are also prone to this disease. Increased blood flow is usually triggered by physical activities. If a person chooses to be a slouch potato he has the tendency is to be obese. Both obesity and a sedentary lifestyle could cause phlebitis.
Smoking cigarettes and taking birth control pills or hormone replacement pills can also be the root of phlebitis. People suffering from cancer and any other blood-related disorders have an increased chance of developing this disease as well. Injury to the limbs, as well as the presence of varicose veins in the leg area, can also be the culprit. In some women, pregnancy may prompt phlebitis.
Symptoms of Phlebitis
Deep vein phlebitis has more symptoms than superficial phlebitis. People suffering from superficial phlebitis will observe some long and thin red lines along their legs, as well as some tender regions near the area. These regions will also seem swollen and feel a little itchy at times. Some would feel it burning while throbbing.
And if the area is severely infected, the skin will breakout and there is pain associated with that. Fever will also accompany the swelling and the redness. Patients with mild phlebitis will also observe that the pain gets worse if they lower their leg, like when they attempt get out of bed during mornings.
Deep vein phlebitis has symptoms similar to superficial phlebitis. But additionally, patients will develop some skin ulcers in the area where the blood clot had occurred. There will also be noticeable discoloration on that part of the skin. Bacterial infections are also expected.
Diagnosing Phlebitis
To diagnose this disease, a physical examination has to be conducted. Then blood tests are requested so that type of blood clots is examined. After that, the doctor would put the patient for an ultrasound examination so that he can pinpoint with precision the area where the problem originates.
But if the blood clot cannot be detected with the use of an ultrasound, venogram may be performed. This method is capable of identifying blood clots in the smaller veins that are invisible to an ultrasound. A certain dye or substance is injected into the vein. And then an x-ray is performed and the dye injected is seen on the image produced.
Treating Phlebitis
Mild superficial phlebitis can be treated at home. Usually, anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin are effective enough in reducing the pain and swelling associated with the disease. Leg compression stockings may also be worn to improve blood flow.
For those with deep vein phlebitis, it is necessary to see a doctor. Depending upon the severity of the case, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or an anticoagulant. In some cases, hospitalization is required so that the extent of the disease is properly assessed and treated.
