Inflammations of the veins are known as thrombophlebitis. Other synonyms like phlebitis and thrombosis are also used for thrombophlebitis. When inflammation happens at mild scale the disease is referred as thrombosis. Sometimes when the blood flows is veins then a blood clot is formed due to any infection, the clot is called as thrombus and condition is known as thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. The thrombophlebitis may also inherited in children due genetics, so that thrombophlebitis is known to run in families.
Veins are two types, deep veins and superficial veins but thrombophlebitis may happen in both type of veins.
According to affected veins we my divide thrombophlebitis in two types –
Superficial thrombophlebitis – Superficial vein are found nearer to surface of skin and easily visible. When the clot and inflammation occur in superficial veins then disease known as Superficial thrombophlebitis. Superficial thrombophlebitis is not severe condition and it rarely leads to serious complications.
Deep-vein thrombosis or Deep vein thrombophlebitis – Deep veins are found deeply or far from surface of skin. When the clot and inflammation occur in deep veins then disease known as deep vein thrombophlebitis. Deep-vein thrombosis is severe condition of thrombosis and in that condition hospitalization is must for surgery.
Causes & Symptoms of thrombophlebitis:
- It occurs most commonly as a result of -
- Trauma to the vessel wall
- hypercoagulation in the blood
- any major infection
- stretched sitting, standing, immobilization
- Due to intravenous catheterization.
Symptoms are –
- Localised pain or tenderness
- Redness at skin due to affected vein
- Warmth and swelling of the area
Treatments of thrombophlebitis :
Superficial thrombophlebitis is mild condition of thrombophlebitis so that non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs and antibiotics medication should follow if needed. In most of the condition thrombophlebitis is treated with rest with the leg elevated, warm compression, elastic stocking and bandages. These treatment will helpful to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Deep thrombophlebitis usually happen due to hypercoagulability of the blood so that
anticoagulant drugs are suggested to reduce formation of clots. These drugs are also dissolve clots. In very severe condition surgery is followed.
