The word “thrombophlebitis” comes from two roots: thrombus, which means clot, and phlebitis, which means vein inflammation.
Superficial thrombophlebitis is therefore an inflammation of the superficial veins (those at the surface of the skin), which is generally associated with varicose veins or the insertion of needles . This condition has few risks of complications but shouldn’t be ignored, as it could lead to deep thrombophlebitis, which is a more serious problem that results in blood clots in the deep veins. A clot can then detach and travel through the circulatory system and become lodged in another part of the body. If the clot obstructs a pulmonary artery, this is called a pulmonary embolism. This blockage has serious consequences for the heart and lungs and can even cause death.
You need to know the symptoms and risk factors of thrombophlebitis so that you can act as quickly as possible.
In the majority of cases, deep thrombophlebitis appears in a vein of the legs and particularly in the calf. Getting calf pain when you flex your foot with a straight leg is a possible symptom of this disease. Although more rare, phlebitis can also occur in a vein in the arm. Thrombophlebitis can have other signs and symptoms:
If you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor right away to prevent the risk of a pulmonary embolism. You’ll have to go to the emergency room for immediate care.
Deep thrombophlebitis may not cause any symptoms, which happens in about half of patients. You therefore need to be able to recognize the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism: shortness of breath, fast heart rate, chest pain, coughing, and coughing up blood. These symptoms require emergency medical care.
The following factors increase the risk of thrombophlebitis:
Women over 35 who take oral contraceptives, especially women with other risk factors, have a greater risk of developing thrombophlebitis.
Here are some tips to prevent clots:
To diagnose thrombophlebitis, your doctor will start by checking your medical history and examining you. A physical exam is often inconclusive, and your doctor will probably order other tests (blood tests, ultrasound) to confirm that you indeed have a blood clot.
If your doctor finds a blood clot in a deep vein, you may have to be admitted to hospital.
The main goal of treatment is to remove the blood clot and prevent a pulmonary embolism. If required, you may also be treated for chronic venous insufficiency, as this condition can sometimes lead to a clot and become a longer term complication of deep thrombophlebitis. A symptom of venous insufficiency is swelling and dilation of the superficial leg veins.
In the hospital, you will be given a subcutaneous or intravenous anticoagulant called heparin, which thins the blood and eliminates the clot.
When you start your treatment, you may also be prescribed another anticoagulant called warfarin. This medication is taken orally, and you’ll need to get a number of blood tests so that your dose can be adjusted. Warfarin treatment must be monitored closely. It’s important that you follow the recommendations of your doctor and pharmacist when taking warfarin. If your dose is too low, your blood will be thicker, and you risk getting a new clot. If your dose is too high, your blood will be too thin, and you’ll be more at risk of bleeding. This is why you must go to your appointments and get your ordered blood tests so that your warfarin dose can be adjusted accordingly. This dose varies from person to person and varies over time for the same person.
Other oral anticoagulants are now available on the market and can be prescribed instead of warfarin. Their benefits are that they don't require regular blood tests, and they’re effective from the start of treatment.
Your medication will depend on your personal characteristics and preferences. No matter what drug your doctor prescribes, your treatment duration will vary depending on your condition and the cause of your thrombophlebitis. You may have to take the medication for a few months to a few years.
A good understanding of your drug regimen will let you take full advantage of your treatment and minimize the risks. Have questions? Don’t hesitate to talk to your pharmacist or doctor. Ask them to explain anything you don’t fully understand. You can also ask a family member to go with you to help you understand and remember what your health care professional explained.
Along with anticoagulants, compression socks are generally recommended to promote blood flow to the heart and prevent another clot. Get more information from your pharmacist or your doctor.
You must notify any health care professional you consult that you’re taking a blood thinner. You should also wear a medical ID bracelet that says “anticoagulant.” Warfarin and other anticoagulants can interact in a number of ways with some prescription and over-the-counter drugs and with a number of natural health products and foods. Always check with your pharmacist about whether you can take a certain drug or natural health product. Also check about interactions with food.
The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.