phlebitis
Recognizing and treating phlebitis
Superficial vein inflammation (thrombophlebitis) should not be taken lightly under any circumstances. If the skin over a superficial vein becomes red, there is a distinct feeling of warmth in the area, and the affected vein swells and hardens, it is high time to see a specialist. If left untreated, even a thrombosis that is initially only superficial can develop into a deep vein thrombosis and, in rare cases, even a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
The therapy
Treatment with compression and blood thinning
The causes of superficial vein inflammation can vary greatly, depending on whether the affected vein was previously healthy or whether the inflammation occurs together with varicose veins or other symptoms.
The more severe the inflammation, the longer the treatment will take. In most cases, local cooling measures and compression therapy are used in combination with anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medication.
In addition, the cause of the inflammation and clot formation must be clarified.
Frequently asked questions about "phlebitis"
Superficial vein inflammation can be recognized by classic symptoms such as redness, swelling, overheating, and hardening of the vein with local pressure sensitivity. Further ultrasound examination then clarifies whether there is a blood clot (thrombus) in the affected vein, which closes the vein from the inside and thus irritates the vein (most common variant), or whether there is inflammation of the vein wall without a blood clot (rare variant). This is important in order to initiate the appropriate treatment, as the presence of a clot often requires blood-thinning medication for a certain period of time, which is not necessary in the variant without a clot.
In cases of pure phlebitis, painkillers are administered and a cooling bandage is applied. If there is also a clot in the vein (thrombus), blood thinners are administered in the form of injections or tablets for six weeks if the clot is longer than 5 cm. A compression bandage or compression stocking can be applied to relieve symptoms, and the affected vein can be cooled.
If you have phlebitis, you should always consult a doctor, as only an ultrasound scan can determine the true extent of the inflammation and the presence of any blood clots (thrombi) in the vein. Without adequate treatment, superficial phlebitis can also lead to deep vein thrombosis (or may already have done so).
Deep vein thrombosis affects—as the name suggests—the veins in the deeper layers of the extremities that are not visible from the outside and, in contrast to superficial thrombosis, leads to
Venous thrombosis – usually always causes swelling of the affected limb (leg or arm). Deep vein thrombosis carries an increased risk of pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks loose from the vein and is carried into the pulmonary circulation. Superficial venous thrombosis can also lead to pulmonary embolism, but this is much rarer. The difference between superficial and deep venous thrombosis therefore lies in the threat to the patient and in the further treatment. Small superficial venous thromboses are usually treated with painkillers or, if they extend over 5 cm in length, with blood thinners for 6 weeks. Deeper venous thromboses generally require at least 3 months of anticoagulation (blood thinning) in tablet or injection form.
Superficial vein inflammation with a clot in the vein usually heals without any problems within a few weeks. If there is no clot in the vein and the vein wall is only irritated, the healing process is usually faster.
Impressions from practice
