Phlebitis is a serious venous inflammation caused when blood vessel walls are damaged. This damage can be caused by injury, trauma or infection to your veins. Large varicose veins put you at risk of developing phlebitis. Phlebitis is higher in particular after long-distance flights.

 

Thrombophlebitis is caused by one or several blood clots in a vein, causing inflammation. Phlebitis can occur in your legs and arms and any other parts of the body. The condition can cause pain and irritation, as it prevents proper circulation which causes varicose veins and more serious complications that risk your health. Treatment outcomes are better if detected early.

 

Phlebitis can be superficial, meaning it affects the veins in the surface of your skin, or it can develop in your deep veins, which is known as deep vein thrombophlebitis, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Superficial phlebitis is rarely serious, and will often resolve quickly, unlike deep vein thrombosis. If you have DVT, large blood clots can form and potentially travel to your lungs, resulting in a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism.

 

What causes Phlebitis?

Varicose veins put you at risk of developing Phlebitis.

 

● Superficial phlebitis is often caused by a complication of a medical or surgical procedure, which has injured the vein.

● Deep vein thrombophlebitis can be caused by a number of hereditary, medical or lifestyle factors. For example, pregnancy, use of birth control or hormone replacement therapy,

● Other factors, such as age and previous medical history, can contribute to its development.

● Prolonged periods of inactivity will increase your risk, whether it is because of long-haul travel, or an inactive lifestyle.

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Symptoms

Phlebitis results in tenderness with redness appearing on the part and area of the body that is affected e.g leg or arm become tender, It may also feel hot to the touch and increasingly itchy, and begin to throb or burn.

 

Symptoms include burning, itching and swelling which tend to be worse in the lower legs as they are furthest from your heart and harder for the blood to circulate.

 

Severe cases of phlebitis can result in chest pain and fever. If phlebitis is untreated it can cause skin discolouration and sores/ ulcers

 

Varicose veins with symptoms can also develop as a result of it. If concerned about your symptoms call us at (506) 648-7013.