Phlebitis/ Inflammation of the veins

Definition

Phlebitis is the medical term for an inflammation of the veins or surface thrombosis. A simple example for an inflammation of the veins is the red and painful vein after the application of an intravenous needle in the hand like at the hospital.

Symptoms

You can recognize a  phlebitis from a soon development of a pressure-pain-like hardening and reddening in the course of a healthy vein at the arms or legs- often of a varicose vein at the leg. The sickened vein is “clogged” at this spot, clearly heated and the pain can effect when left alone, or when moving, may radiate to other regions. The healing and then harmless inflammation of the vein becomes brownish-yellowish and then draws back like a bruise. The palpable hardening of the vein is notable for several more weeks or months. The thrombus is degraded from the body in this time.

Diagnosis

The phlebitis is usually recognized because of its typical appearance. For a definite diagnosis an ultrasound examination is necessary so that the closure or the thrombus of the vein can be proven. An inflammation of the vein can be more distinct in the inner body than it is visible from the outside. In the worst case it can lead to a deep vein thrombosis with a pulmonary embolism.

Therapy

The therapy of a phlebitis always consists of an elastic stocking or a compression bandage. With a stocking or a bandage the patient always has to walk in order to help the healing of the inflammation. Pronounced findings need Heparin injections for a couple days, sometimes an emergency surgery is necessary to prevent a smouldering pulmonary embolism. Control examinations with ultrasound at the doctor are necessary to not overlook a process of the inflammation of the veins and for additional treatment. The elastic stocking need to be worn for a longer time during the day. An antibiotic is not necessary. If the inflammation occurred in a varicose vein a later removal of this varicose vein is necessary to avoid further and more severe complications.