Overview:
Phlebitis 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.
Contributing Factors:
Phlebitis can be caused by many things, for example, sitting to long on long drives, train or plane rides, varicose veins, some cancers, and after surgery.
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 the path of the superficial vein. It may spread in a spider like pattern if smaller feeder veins become involved.
- 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 at the site where a peripheral intravenous (IV) 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 Thrombophlebitis
The classic signs and symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the affected extremity. Often one extremity is more swollen than the other. Occasionally the discoloration may be more bluish than red.
Risk Factors:
- Prolonged inactivity (for example, a long airplane or car ride, an extremity immobilized in a cast or splint, being bedridden for an illness or after surgery, a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity with little or no exercise)
- Obesity
- Smoking cigarettes, especially when combined with hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills
- During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can also compress the large veins in the pelvis increasing the risk of blood clotting.
- Certain medical conditions such as cancer or blood disorders that increase the potential of blood clotting
- Injury to the arms or legs
How to Reduce Your Risk:
The best way to prevent phlebitis is to be active. Participate in daily exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging, cycling, dance classes, etc. Avoid prolonged periods of sitting or lying down (if possible). Avoid bed rest for prolonged periods. If you are limited to bed rest, wear supportive stockings. When traveling and movement is limited for long periods of time, get up and move around occasionally or stop at a rest stop and move around. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. Changing of IV lines will help prevent phlebitis.