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Thrombophlebitis Causes and Risks:
Common causes of vein inflammation include local irritation (for example, because of an IV line), infection in or near a vein, and blood clots .
See the specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis:
Prevention:
Routine changing of intravenous (IV) lines helps to prevent phlebitis related to IV lines. See the specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis for other measures.
Symptoms:
The following, or other, symptoms may occur:
Signs and Tests:
The health care provider makes the diagnosis primarily based on the appearance of the affected area. Frequent checks of the pulse , blood pressure , temperature, skin condition, and circulation may be required.
If the cause is not readily identifiable, tests may be performed to determine the cause, such as:
Treatment:
SEE THE SPECIFIC DISORDER
Medications may include analgesics for pain, anticoagulants to prevent new clot formation, thrombolytics to dissolve an existing clot, or others. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDS) may reduce pain and inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed if infection is present.
Support stockings and wraps may be of benefit (in some cases) to reduce discomfort. Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling . Keep pressure off of it to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage. Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed, but it may be recommended in some situations.
Prognosis:
Thrombophlebitis and other forms of phlebitis usually respond to prompt medical treatment.
Complications:
Complications are rare, but when they occur they can be serious.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate thrombophlebitis may be present.
Call your health care provider promptly if you have (or suspect you have) thrombophlebitis and symptoms do not improve with treatment. Also call promptly if symptoms worsen or if new symptoms occur, such as an entire limb becoming pale , cold, or swollen, or if chills and fever develop.
This picture shows deep vein thrombosis with phlebitis in the leg. The deep veins in this patient's left leg are clotted (deep venous thrombosis) and blood cannot return properly to the main circulation. Note the swelling and discoloration of the left leg.
This picture shows deep venous thrombosis with phlebitis in the right forefoot. The blood clotting has caused tissue death (necrosis) in the toes.
This picture shows a red and swollen thigh and leg caused by a blood clot (thrombus) in the deep veins in the groin (ileofemoral veins) which prevents normal return of blood from the leg to the heart.
This is a person with clotting of the deep veins (ileofemoral deep venous thrombosis) which prevents return of blood from the leg to the heart. Note the deepening red cast and the marked swelling of the leg. Splitting of the skin as a result of the swelling.
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