Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial ThromboPhlebitis Superficial Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein located just below the surface of the skin, thus creating a thrombus or blood clot. A common disorder, most superficial thrombosis is accompanied by phlebitis. With deep venous thrombosis, phlebitis may be present although asymptomatic.

Typically, superficial thrombophlebitis occurs in the arms or legs but can develop about anywhere on the body. This use of catheters injected into a vein can commonly cause a blood clot in a superficial vein.

What Are the Symptoms of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
Symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:

• Swelling and redness of the skin along a part of a vein


• Tenderness around the area of the inflammation


• High fever


• Vein may feel hard where superficial blood clot is located


• Development of darkening of skin over affected vein


• Pain that grows worse with pressure

When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

• If you have already been diagnosed with superficial thrombophlebitis and your symptoms do not better with treatment or worsen


• Call your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills or a limb becomes swollen, pale or cold.

What Are the Causes of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of an individual developing superficial thrombophlebitis. The more common of these include:

• Recent insertion of IV, injection or catheter into a vein


• Sitting or lying down for a prolonged period of time


• Pregnancy


• Infection


• Disorder that increases the odds of a blood clot


• Smoking


• Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement medications


• Being over the age of 60


• Varicose veins


• Chemical irritation of the area, such as from Cancer treatments

Superficial thrombophlebitis may also be associated with more serious medical conditions, including:

• Abdominal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer


• Deep Vein Thrombosis


• Blood clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin Gene Mutation


• Blockage of blood vessels in hands and feet, known as Thromboangiitis Obliterans

Two rare disorders also associated with the development of superficial thrombophlebitis are Antithrombin III (AT-III) and Protein C and Protein S deficiencies.

What Are the Treatments for Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
Most of the time, superficial thrombophlebitis is treated at home. To reduce swelling, your doctor may recommend applying a warm compress to the area. It also helps to elevate the affected area if possible. Some individuals have found that wearing support socks also assists in reducing swelling.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can reduce inflammation and help with redness and irritation. Painkillers may be prescribed if needed. In the event of deep vein thrombosis, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants to thin your blood. If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics.

If you have varicose veins or need treatment to prevent further development of new thrombophlebitis, stripping of the affected vein may be necessary. However, this is reserved for serious instances and is very rarely administered.

Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can go far in preventing episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis. Here are a few suggestions:

• Wear pressure stockings to help promote blood flow.


• Apply heat to affected area for 20 minutes several times a day to improve blood flow and decrease pain.


• Exercise can decrease inflammation and improve blood flow.


• Walk around for 5 minutes for each hour you spend standing or sitting to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.


• Quit smoking.


• Use pillows to elevate your leg or arm as often as you can, preferably higher than your heart.


• If you are overweight, shed the extra pounds.

Notes
It is important to note that superficial thrombophlebitis is rarely a long-term condition. Symptoms usually subside in 1 to 2 weeks, causing no complications. If a hard lump developed because of the condition, it may remain for a longer period of time but is usually not a cause for concern.

Also keep in mind that individuals with varicose veins tend to suffer from recurrent episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis. For a very small group of people, this may be the first symptom of a more serious illness such as cancer. In these cases, the episodes of occurrence tend to affect different veins in different locations.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial ThromboPhlebitis

Superficial Thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein located just below the surface of the skin, thus creating a thrombus or blood clot. A common disorder, most superficial thrombosis is accompanied by phlebitis. With deep venous thrombosis, phlebitis may be present although asymptomatic.

Typically, superficial thrombophlebitis occurs in the arms or legs but can develop about anywhere on the body. This use of catheters injected into a vein can commonly cause a blood clot in a superficial vein.

What Are the Symptoms of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
Symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:

• Swelling and redness of the skin along a part of a vein


• Tenderness around the area of the inflammation


• High fever


• Vein may feel hard where superficial blood clot is located


• Development of darkening of skin over affected vein


• Pain that grows worse with pressure

When to See a Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

• If you have already been diagnosed with superficial thrombophlebitis and your symptoms do not better with treatment or worsen


• Call your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills or a limb becomes swollen, pale or cold.

What Are the Causes of Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
There are several factors that can increase the risk of an individual developing superficial thrombophlebitis. The more common of these include:

• Recent insertion of IV, injection or catheter into a vein


• Sitting or lying down for a prolonged period of time


• Pregnancy


• Infection


• Disorder that increases the odds of a blood clot


• Smoking


• Use of birth control pills or hormone replacement medications


• Being over the age of 60


• Varicose Veins


• Chemical irritation of the area, such as from Cancer treatments

Superficial thrombophlebitis may also be associated with more serious medical conditions, including:

• Abdominal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer


• Deep Vein Thrombosis


• Blood clotting disorders, such as Factor V Leiden or Prothrombin Gene Mutation


• Blockage of blood vessels in hands and feet, known as Thromboangiitis Obliterans

Two rare disorders also associated with the development of superficial thrombophlebitis are Antithrombin III (AT-III) and Protein C and Protein S deficiencies.

What Are the Treatments for Superficial Thrombophlebitis?
Most of the time, superficial thrombophlebitis is treated at home. To reduce swelling, your doctor may recommend applying a warm compress to the area. It also helps to elevate the affected area if possible. Some individuals have found that wearing support socks also assists in reducing swelling.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can reduce inflammation and help with redness and irritation. Painkillers may be prescribed if needed. In the event of deep vein thrombosis, your doctor may prescribe anticoagulants to thin your blood. If you have an infection, you may need to take antibiotics.

If you have varicose veins or need treatment to prevent further development of new thrombophlebitis, stripping of the affected vein may be necessary. However, this is reserved for serious instances and is very rarely administered.

Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can go far in preventing episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis. Here are a few suggestions:

• Wear pressure stockings to help promote blood flow.


• Apply heat to affected area for 20 minutes several times a day to improve blood flow and decrease pain.


• Exercise can decrease inflammation and improve blood flow.


• Walk around for 5 minutes for each hour you spend standing or sitting to prevent blood from pooling in your legs.


• Quit smoking.


• Use pillows to elevate your leg or arm as often as you can, preferably higher than your heart.


• If you are overweight, shed the extra pounds.

Notes
It is important to note that superficial thrombophlebitis is rarely a long-term condition. Symptoms usually subside in 1 to 2 weeks, causing no complications. If a hard lump developed because of the condition, it may remain for a longer period of time but is usually not a cause for concern.

Also keep in mind that individuals with varicose veins tend to suffer from recurrent episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis. For a very small group of people, this may be the first symptom of a more serious illness such as cancer. In these cases, the episodes of occurrence tend to affect different veins in different locations.

Thrombophlebitis

ThromboPhlebitis






Our vascular system contains several arteries and veins that plays vital role in transporting blood from the heart to other parts and vice versa. Thrombosis is the term given for blood clot in the blood vessel and Thrombophlebitis is the term given for swelling of veins caused by the blood clot. This occurs only superficially unlike DVT which affects the deep veins.

Difference between thrombophlebitis and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) :

DVT is a condition in which deep veins of the blood vessels gets inflamed. There will be Blood Clots on the deep veins and are caused by long-term bedridden condition and inactivity of the veins. Certain types of infections and cancer and surgery can restrict your movement in the long run. DVT affecting the deep veins form blood clots and sometimes the clot travels into the bloodstream risking your life. This process is called embolism and it can affect any organ causing serious consequences.

On the other hand, thrombophlebitis affects only superficial veins causing inflammation and blood clots. It can be commonly caused when a patient is put on IV drips which inflame the superficial skin. It would cause moderate pain and redness.

Thrombophlebitis often affects the veins in arms and legs causing inflammation and pain. It is less harmful and can be cured with simple medications.

Symptoms :

There will be warmth and tenderness in the affected area of arms or legs. Mild to moderate pain is experienced on the legs. Other signs of this disease include swelling and redness. You can observe the superficial skin turning red and looking swelling. The pain becomes more intense when you walk or move your legs. Some people may have a low grade fever.

Many people will not have any symptoms at all except swelling of the affected area.

Causes :

Thrombophlebitis is caused by blood clot. Clotting of blood on the veins can occur due to an injury or inherited blood related disorders.

For some people sitting in the same position for prolonged hours can cause blood clots. There should be little movement of the legs and arms when you travel for extended hours by air or car. You can reduce the risk of getting thrombophlebitis by stretching your legs and arms for a while when traveling.

Who are at risk?

People who are bedridden for long-term, who are inactive for weeks together, with cancer or other serious infectious diseases or those with partial paralysis of arms or legs are under the risk of getting thrombophlebitis.

Pregnant women may have high rate of pressure on the pelvic region and on the veins of legs due to weight. Obese people and old-age men and women have also chance for getting this problem.

Complications can occur only when the blood clot is on the deep vein in which case there is chance for the clot to break off from the blood vessel to travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism and even Heart Attack.

For some people it may affect the veins of the heart causing swelling and skin discoloration of legs.

Diagnoses :

Your doctor will look for the symptoms and physically examine the veins of the legs. He may perform ultrasound scan or CT/MRI scan for detecting the position of blood clot.

Treatment :

For minor form of thrombophlebitis you can take self remedies like keeping the legs in elevated position and applying topical creams for reducing inflammation. For moderate pain non-steroidal medications NSAID are given. You can wear support stockings for reducing pain and swelling on the legs.

In case of deep vein thrombosis DVT your doctor may give you blood thinning injections like heparin for preventing blood clots from enlarging. You need to follow the instructions of your doctor in case you have repeated thrombosis.

Medication like alteplase is given for dissolving the blood clots inside and this process is known as thrombolysis. This is given only for deep vein thrombosis that affects the lungs causing embolism.

Filter is inserted into the veins of your abdomen that would prevent blood clots to break loose. Here the filter remains permanently on the abdomen for monitoring blood clots and preventing it.

Surgery is done for removing Varicose Veins. The surgeon would make small incision on the affected leg and removes the vein affected with blood clot. This procedure is called varicose vein stripping.

Angioplasty is done for removing blood clot for bypassing the vein that contains blood clot.

Pictures of Thrombophlebitis :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Thrombophlebitis

Home Remedies :

Keep your legs above the pillows or in elevated position to facilitate easy blood flow. Apply warm clothing on the area to reduce inflammation. Take medicines like ibuprofen or motrin for pain and controlling swelling of legs.

Keep the legs and arms active by doing stretching exercises. You can take a walk when you are confined to sit for hours together in a car. Wear compression stockings to regularize blood flow.

Thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis">Thrombophlebitis

What is Thrombophlebitis?

The condition Thrombophlebitis is also known as Deep Vein Thrombosis. The mechanism of the problem is the formation of Blood Clots in the deep veins. Thrombophlebitis can be a life-threatening for this can lead to free-moving blood clots or emboli that can result to pulmonary embolism, heart failure or Stroke.

Risk factors for this condition include:

• Inactivity


• Prolonged bed rest or bedridden patients


• Stroke – paralysis


• After giving birth


• Use of birth control pills


• Overweight or obese clients


• Elderly – those older than 60 years

Tests for confirmation of this condition include:

• Doppler ultrasound – this test would reflect sound waves to evaluate the blood that flows in the blood vessel.


• Duplex ultrasound – this incorporates two elements that test how blood moves through the arteries and veins.


• Venography – this is also referred as phlebography, a procedure that uses an x-ray of the veins with a special dye is injected into the veins.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

The condition is considered superficial thrombophlebitis when the affected veins are near the skin surface. The inflammation of the vein is due to blood clots located just below the skin surface. The cause of this condition includes:

• Injury to the vein


• Chemical irritation of the area


• Disorders of blood clotting


• Infection


• Pregnancy


• Sitting or staying still for a long period of time


• Use of birth pills


• Varicose Veins

Migratory Thrombophlebitis

Migratory thrombophlebitis is considered as a complex situation of the disease. This condition is noted to be affecting the abdomen through numerous thromboses seen in the affected person’s body. The said condition is referred as Trousseau sign of malignancy. The major affected area of the thrombophlebitis is the vein that particularly function the flow of blood from the legs. This condition is considered very delicate, if one is to take note of the possible complications of the disease process or the outcome of the disease. The significant underlying malignancy, frequently of the lungs, Pancreas and prostate can provide a grave result or effect on the person.

The reason behind the name of the disease (Trousseau) is because of the first person to identify this condition. He one day identified the disease and has started to described the condition.

Septic Thrombophlebitis

The condition is characterized by venous thrombosis, inflammation and Bacteremia. The condition is stated to be a common problem related to catheterization. A bloodstream infection is said to be the common result from the intervention. Other causes of this condition include venipuncture, central peripheral catheter, intravenous drug use, abrasions and lacerations, soft tissue infection, hypercoagulable state and burn.

Septic phlebitis can be identified with blood cultures. Cultures can be extracted from the peripheral or central sites of the affected area. CBC result would be increase in leukocytes.

The presenting signs of inflammation include redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. Blanching of the area is also possible for a while.

Thrombophlebitis Symptoms

The condition is characterized by the following presenting signs and symptoms:

• Warmth, tenderness and pain in the area


• Redness and swelling are noted


• Positive Homan’s sign: Identification of this problem is by the patient’s foot (bending the foot towards the head) while the patient lies flat on a bed or even surface and he/she complains of calf pain.

Complications may arise such as these are infections, gangrene, Septic Shock, deep vein thrombosis and:

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• Pulmonary embolism


• Heart Attack


• Stroke

These disease processes are only possible because of the clots being dislodged from its area. This can result to lung, heart and brain involvement. Embolism or emboli is the clot that is already free-moving. Further complications include varicose veins, swelling, skin discoloration, and blocked vein.

Thrombophlebitis Causes

The main cause of thrombophlebitis is blood clot formation. These clots are caused by many things and these are:

Injury to a vein

Damage to the blood vessel wall due to injury, trauma and surgery is an event that can induce blood clots.

Inherited blood-clotting disorder

The increase of viscosity of blood can result to blood clot formation. The underlying conditions that can cause thrombophlebitis is Polycythemia Vera. Intake of oral contraceptives can also induce blood clot formation. The condition polycythemia vera’s mechanism is to increase the number of red blood cells.

Decreased venous return
This is also referred as venous stasis. The condition thrombophlebitis is common among people who usually stand in long periods of time or do cross-legged sitting for a long time. Postoperative clients are also at risk of this condition for they have long periods of bed rest. Pregnant women are also prone to such malady.

Thrombophlebitis Treatment

The aim for the treatment of thrombophlebitis is to reduce pain and inflammation, along with the prevention of complications. Here are some of the interventions indicated for thrombophlebitis:

• Application of warm compress. This can reduce the discomfort and swelling of the area.


• Elevate the affected extremity. This facilitates venous return.


• Intake of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.


• For deep clots, giving of warfarin and heparin (known as blood thinners) is recommended. When one is for treatment for these blood thinners, he or she should avoid eating green leafy vegetables rich in vitamin K. Anti-thrombin or thrombolytic drugs would dissolve the clots found. Take note, a possible adverse effect of these drugs is bleeding.


• Remember that one should avoid massage of the affected area. This can only result to additional problem such as embolism.


• Surgical intervention is another form of remedy. Phlebectomy, stripping or sclerotherapy are the surgical remedies for thrombophlebitis.

Prevention

One can prevent the occurrence of thrombophlebitis. Discipline and health awareness can assist a person in the prevention of such health condition and state.

Here are the following steps or tips to follow in order to prevent such case:

• The Jobst compression stocking is a common tool to wear when one has to travel abroad and has an anticipated long journey waiting. This is usually recommended by doctors to their patients who are prone to venous diseases, such as thrombophlebitis.


• Quit smoking – Smoking is a risk factor of venous problems. One should avoid or quite from this bad habit before they acquire such condition.

Thrombophlebitis Pictures