Phlebitis

Phlebitis Overview

Phlebitis (fle-BYE-tis) means inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is due to one or more blood clots in a vein that cause inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm. The thrombus in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins. Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins.

• Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.
  
  
• Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger blood vessels deep in the legs. Large blood clots can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs. This is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.

Phlebitis Causes

Superficial phlebitis can be a complication due to a medical or surgical procedure. Injury to a vein increases the risk of forming a blood clot. Sometimes clots occur without an injury. Some risk factors for phlebitis include the following:

• Prolonged inactivity - Staying in bed or sitting for many hours, as in a car or on an airplane, creating stagnant or slow flow of blood from the legs in a dependent position (This pooling of blood in the legs leads to thrombus formation.)
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle - Not getting any exercise
  
  
• Obesity
  
  
• Smoking cigarettes
  
  
• Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or blood disorders, that increase the clotting potential of the blood
  
  
• Injury to your arms or legs
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Varicose veins

Phlebitis Symptoms

Superficial phlebitis

• There is usually a slow onset of a tender red area along the superficial veins on the skin. A long, thin red area may be seen as the inflammation follows a superficial vein.
  
  
• This area may feel hard, warm, and tender. The skin around the vein may be itchy and swollen.
  
  
• The area may begin to throb or burn.
  
  
• Symptoms may be worse when the leg is lowered, especially when first getting out of bed in the morning.
  
  
• A low-grade fever may occur.
  
  
• Sometimes phlebitis may occur where a peripheral intravenous line was started. The surrounding area may be sore and tender along the vein.
  
  
• If an infection is present, symptoms may include redness, fever, pain, swelling, or breakdown of the skin.

Deep vein phlebitis

• This can be similar in presentation to superficial phlebitis, but some people may have no symptoms.
  
  
• One may have pain and swelling throughout the entire limb. For example, one side of the lower leg may swell for no apparent reason.
  
  
• Some people also get fever from a superimposed bacterial infection and skin discoloration and/or ulcers if the condition becomes chronic and inadequately treated earlier.