Phlebitis is an inflammatory process that affects the vessels of the veins and provokes their subsequent destruction. This pathology is most often localized in the veins of the legs, but can also be observed in the vessels of the arms, as well as other parts of the body. The progression of the disease causes vascular thrombosis, smoothly flowing into thrombophlebitis. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to ignore its course.

General information and causes

Inflammation of the veins is a fairly common disease that occurs no less frequently than heart problems. IN neglected form Such pathologies can pose a significant danger not only to health, but also to human life. Developing into thrombophlebitis, this disease can provoke the separation of blood clots, which are carried by the bloodstream and can enter the pulmonary arteries, provoking thrombophlebia. In such cases, the mortality rate of patients is about 30%.

Contrary to popular belief, inflammation of the veins does not depend on the patient’s age. The most severe course of the disease is observed in the elderly and children, due to a weakened immune system.

Phlebitis of the superficial veins can develop for various reasons. Most common reasons This pathology is infection of the vascular walls or varicose veins. Let us consider the mechanisms of pathology in more detail:

In addition, phlebitis can occur due to the following factors:

• obesity;
• low mobility associated with sedentary work;
• frequent and excessive physical activity;
• all kinds of injuries;
• pregnancy;
• long bed rest etc.

Localization, forms of the disease and classification

Considering the nature of the course, the following types of phlebitis are distinguished:

Regarding the location of the disease, there are the following types of illness:

• deep veins

Since the pathology can be localized various areas vessels, this disease can be of the following types:

• endophlebitis - if pathological process affects outer shell vessel;
• periphlebitis is a disease due to which only the outer venous membrane becomes inflamed;
• panphlebitis - covers the entire vessel.

Depending on the organ in which the inflamed veins are located, as well as on the nature of the inflammation itself, there are the following types diseases:

Symptoms

Phlebitis may be characterized various symptoms, depending on the course of the disease, its form, type, etc.

Acute and chronic phlebitis

This type of disease is mostly a consequence of injections. For acute inflammation are characteristic following signs:

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The acute form of phlebitis can be confused with a cold because this disease causes an increase in temperature against a background of general weakness. Dizziness is also possible. Symptoms chronic process is expressed only during exacerbations of the disease. During remission, the disease can manifest itself in the form of a slight increase in temperature with general malaise.

The acute form of this pathology has the following features of manifestation:

Local redness and induration are not observed with phlebitis of the deep veins. A complication of acute deep vein phlebitis is thrombophlebitis.

Chronic form of this disease manifests itself only during periods of exacerbation. In this case, the symptoms described above are present.

Pylephlebitis and cerebral

Inflammation of the portal vein is accompanied by clear signs intoxication:

If not treated promptly, pylephlebitis can cause death patient. If the disease progresses to chronic form, the patient may develop liver and kidney failure.

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When inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain occurs, the following symptoms occur:

• high blood pressure;
• disturbances of consciousness;
• speech problems;
• poor sleep and fainting;
• severe weakness;
• severe headaches.

Complications and methods for diagnosing phlebitis

If it doesn't follow timely treatment phlebitis, then a number of complications may develop:

Diagnosis of venous phlebitis most often does not cause difficulties. After listening to the patient’s complaints, the doctor examines the affected veins and can recognize the disease already during the initial examination. However for precise setting To diagnose the patient, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination.

In order to correctly identify the symptoms and treat phlebitis correctly, modern specialists resort to instrumental and laboratory types of research:

1. Ultrasound of organ vessels.
2. Blood test.
3. Phlebography.
4. Ultrasound angioscanning, etc.

If the doctor suspects the development of thrombophlebitis, then more accurate studies are needed for the patient:

1. CT phlebography with contrast.
2. Phlebomanometry.
3. Phleboscintigraphy and more.

Features of therapy and prevention

Now let's figure out how to treat phlebitis. An outpatient treatment option may involve only inflammation in the superficial veins. In all other cases, hospitalization of the patient is required. First of all, the patient needs rest.

Most often, treatment is complex and involves techniques conservative therapy with medication and a number of physiotherapeutic procedures. If the inflammatory process occurs as a result of a puncture of the vessel and is non-purulent, then only painkillers should be used.

Treatment with medications involves the following medications:

In each specific case, the course of treatment is selected individually. In addition to medications, the following physiotherapeutic procedures are also used to combat phlebitis:

To speed up recovery, the patient should follow these tips:

1. Move more, especially if the patient is predisposed to developing thrombophlebitis.
2. Smoking should be avoided.
3. carry out wearing compression hosiery if the inflammation becomes acute.

To prevent recurrence of phlebitis, the patient must follow the following rules:

Phlebitis is a very dangerous disease, capable of causing severe complications. This disease can develop in patients of all ages, having various reasons occurrence. If you suspect the first symptoms of the disease, you should immediately consult a specialist. The disease requires complex treatment, one tablet will not do anything here - the patient will have to undergo a series of procedures and follow the recommendations of a specialist.

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What is phlebitis?

What is phlebitis? This is inflammation of the walls venous vessels with their subsequent destruction or deformation. The disease often affects the lower extremities. At the same time, blood clots form, which is called thrombophlebitis. This disease is dangerous because a blood clot can break off and block a venous passage, which often leads to death.

Species

You should consider the types of phlebitis to know what it is like:

1. According to the form of flow they are divided into:
   • Spicy;
   • Chronic.
2. By localization:

• Endophlebitis is damage to the inner lining of the vein.
• Periphlebitis is a lesion of the outer (outer) lining of the vessel.
• Panphlebitis is a defeat of both internal and outside veins.

1. According to the object where the inflammatory process occurs:

• Cerebral - inflammation of the veins in the brain or in the facial part, which occurs due to infection or purulent inflammation around the vessels.
• Post-injection – develops exclusively after injection medical product intravenously.
• Migratory – vein damage lower limbs, in which not only the veins, but also the arteries can become inflamed.
• Collar vein (pylephlebitis) – damage to a large vein in abdominal cavity.
• Painful – damage to the lower extremities with acute pain.
• Allergic – develops against the background of allergies and proceeds benignly.

1. Types:

• Superficial veins;
• Deep veins.

Reasons

What causes trigger phlebitis? There are a number of factors here. They can go either individually or in combination:

• An infection that penetrates the walls of blood vessels. A common causative agent is streptococcus.
• Chemical effects on veins - burns or medicinal effect drugs.
• An inflamed process that occurs in the tissues surrounding the vein - with an abscess or boil.
• Mechanical damage to the vessel - deep wound, cut, burn, incorrect placement of a catheter, injection or blood draw.
• Varicose veins, which leads to thrombophlebitis and trophic ulcers.

People who have the following characteristics (concomitant factors contributing to the development of phlebitis) are at risk:

1. People with overweight. There is excessive stress on the legs.
2. A passive lifestyle when veins are clamped.
3. Pregnancy and childbirth, during which there is a load on all body systems.
4. Static vertical position for a long time.
5. Continuous administration of drugs intravenously.
6. Tendency to allergies.
7. Genetic predisposition or pathology in the structure.

Symptoms and signs of phlebitis of the walls of venous vessels

Main and characteristic features and symptoms of phlebitis of the walls of venous vessels are:

• Pain in the affected area;
• Local temperature in the area of ​​inflammation;
• Redness of the skin over the affected vein, and they look like red stripes (along the entire vein);
• The skin becomes stretched;
• Pain during palpation increases;
• In some cases, the skin becomes pale;
• Arises general temperature and weakness of the body.

The chronic form of phlebitis does not show obvious symptoms, but is marked by relapses and exacerbations.

Cerebral phlebitis is characterized by headaches, high blood pressure, neurological symptoms.

Pylephlebitis is determined by purulent intoxication:

1. Weakness;
2. Jaundice;
3. Pain;
4. Cutting in the right hypochondrium;
5. Vomit;
6. Sometimes fever occurs with chills and sweating.

Phlebitis in children

Mostly phlebitis does not appear in children. This is due to their exceptional health, vitality and resilience. If any such diseases appear, it is only when medical reasons or genetic predisposition. Often, if a person is prone to a disease, it manifests itself at a later age.

Phlebitis in adults

Phlebitis is an adult disease. In adults, it often manifests itself in old age due to thinning and wear of blood vessels. However, both mature men and mature women Phlebitis may occur due to major reasons physical activity, pregnancy and difficult birth. Bad habits and a passive image often provoke phlebitis with subsequent formation of blood clots.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of phlebitis is quite easy. Based on patient complaints and palpation, the main signs of this disease are observed. To clarify the diagnosis, as well as to exclude the formation of blood clots, additional procedures are performed:

• Blood test.
• CT and MRI.
• Analysis of the contents of inflamed veins.
• X-ray of the affected area.
• Ultrasound of the inflamed area and abdominal area.

Treatment

Treatment of phlebitis takes place in three directions: medication, therapeutic and surgical. The main emphasis is on resting the patient and elevating the affected area.

How to treat phlebitis? Various creams and medications are prescribed and are actively used:

• Compresses with ointments: Heparin, Troxevasin.
• Reopirin, Aspirin, Butadion.
• Glivenol, Exuzan, Curantil, Trental.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Antibiotics.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Medicines that increase blood circulation.
• Blood thinning medications.
• Painkillers.

What else is used to treat phlebitis? Using physiotherapeutic procedures:

• Thermal physiotherapy.
• Reflexology.
• Hirudotherapy.
• Phytotherapy.
• Physical therapy, which is prescribed at the stage of improving health.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment is carried out at home or in a hospital. Thermal therapy is possible using folk remedies, however, it only relieves the symptoms, but does not eliminate the cause of the disease at home. Here you still need to follow the doctor's recommendations. It is necessary to perform a complex physical exercise and follow a diet: drink more liquid, eat vegetables and fruits to saturate the body with vitamins or follow a certain menu for weight loss.

It is important here to give up alcohol and harmful smoking.

Surgery is a last resort treatment. Sclerotherapy or laser surgery is prescribed, which eliminates inflamed areas and blood clots are removed.

Lifespan

How long do people live with phlebitis? Life expectancy is not reduced by inflammation of the vascular walls, but if complications occur, undesirable consequences appear. Three important complications:

1. Thrombophlebitis. If a blood clot has formed in the pulmonary vein, then its rupture can threaten a person with sudden death.
2. Trophic ulcer.
3. Abdominal lesions.

Prevention of phlebitis is active image life, treatment of all infectious diseases, as well as moderate loads, especially on the lower extremities.

When they appear in the lumen of an inflamed vessel. Therefore, it is so important to identify phlebitis in a timely manner in order to prevent further progression of the disease.

Table of contents:

Causes

Inflammation of the vein develops when exposed to various unfavorable factors. Phlebitis predominantly occurs against the background of existing. This is facilitated by hemodynamic disturbances that occur with varicose veins.

In addition, phlebitis can be caused directly by various microorganisms, mainly and. Microbes enter the vein if there is purulent wound or an infectious disease.

Phlebitis also develops when chemical burn veins when aggressive medications and substances are introduced into the vessel. Can cause phlebitis hypertonic solutions (calcium chloride, 40% glucose solution). Also, inflammation of the vein is caused by the introduction of “handicrafts” into the vein, when all kinds of solvents and household chemicals are used for their preparation.

Direct trauma to the venous wall during catheterization and long-term intravenous administration of drugs also contributes to the development of phlebitis.

Depending on the location of the inflammatory process in the venous wall, there are:

1. Periphlebitis- the outer lining of the vein is affected. Occurs when inflammation spreads from surrounding tissues to the vessel wall.
2. Endophlebitis- the inner lining of the vein is affected. It often occurs when the inner lining of a vein is damaged, for example, during catheterization of a vessel.
3. Panphlebitis- all membranes of the venous wall are affected.

Symptoms of phlebitis

Inflammation of the veins can occur in any area of ​​the body, but most often occurs in the legs. The veins of the lower extremities are superficial and deep. Damage to certain vessels is accompanied by certain symptoms.

Phlebitis of the lower extremities

With acute superficial phlebitis, the affected vein becomes noticeably tense and painful. The patient himself may notice that the skin over this area is red, hot, and red stripes are visible along the affected vein. IN in rare cases a person may be worried about increased body temperature and weakness.

In the absence of treatment for acute superficial phlebitis, the disease transforms into a chronic form. With chronic superficial phlebitis, the symptoms of the disease are less pronounced. Periods of subsidence of the disease alternate with exacerbations.

In acute deep phlebitis, pain is observed in the area of ​​the inflamed vein, as well as swelling of the corresponding area of ​​the leg. At the same time, the skin becomes pale, even white. In most cases, this disease is accompanied by fever, malaise, and weakness.

Phlebitis of the upper extremities

Phlebitis on the arm is often called post-injection. Already from the name it is clear that it is provoked intravenous injections in the arm area. An increase in pain in the area of ​​the vein puncture should alert the person; this may indicate the onset of post-injection phlebitis.

The first symptom of phlebitis is redness of the skin in the area of ​​injection or catheter placement. Soon the redness spreads from the injection site along the entire inflamed vein. The hand is swollen. There may be an increase in temperature, the appearance of weakness, and an increase in axillary and elbow joints.

Migratory phlebitis

Migratory phlebitis is also known as allergic wandering phlebitis and belongs to the group. The disease often accompanies autoimmune diseases, some cancer, infectious diseases, allergic reactions. Mostly young men are affected.

Migrating phlebitis is characterized by damage to the veins of the lower and upper extremities. It all starts with the formation of compacted cords of various lengths along the superficial veins of the legs. The skin over the affected vessel is red, swollen and painful. It is noteworthy that such changes occur alternately in different veins, as if inflammation “jumps” from one vein to another. Sometimes inflammation of different veins can occur simultaneously, for example in the arm and leg.

Often general condition the patient does not suffer, the temperature may only rise. But with multiple lesions of the veins, a person may feel weak and unwell.

Cerebral phlebitis and pylephlebitis

With cerebral phlebitis (inflammation of the veins of the brain vessels) occur with and, neurological symptoms in the form of speech impairment, changes in consciousness, unsteadiness of gait, paresis of limbs,.

Pylephlebitis occurs when inflammation spreads to the portal vein from nearby inflamed abdominal organs (). The pathological condition is characterized by fever, severe weakness,. This is very dangerous disease which can even lead to death.

Treatment of phlebitis

Phlebitis can be effectively combated using conservative treatment methods. However, therapeutic measures should be introduced as early as possible in order to prevent the transformation of phlebitis into. TO conservative methods include drug therapy, physical therapy, and wearing compression stockings.

Drug treatment

If phlebitis is present, it is important to identify the cause pathological condition. If phlebitis is caused by an infection, the patient is prescribed antibiotics. In other cases drug treatment includes the prescription of such drugs:

With post-injection phlebitis, as a rule, they are limited to applying compresses with ointments (heparin, Troxevasin, Venobene, Lyoton Gel) to the affected arm. These medications reduce swelling, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Physiotherapy

If a patient has phlebitis, the doctor may recommend physiotherapy. This can be laser therapy, magnetic therapy, mud applications, infrared irradiation. Physiotherapy is auxiliary treatment, which at correct appointment can lead to a speedy recovery.

The action of physiotherapy is aimed at improving metabolic processes in cells, reducing inflammation. In addition, physical therapy reduces soft tissue swelling and relieves pain.

Lifestyle change

Formation healthy image life plays a significant role in the fight against phlebitis. To ensure normal microcirculation in the legs, you need to be active and play sports. Patients with phlebitis are also recommended to lie on their backs and raise their legs and hold them for several minutes. This position promotes the outflow of blood and prevents its stagnation in the lower extremities.

An aggravating factor for the development of phlebitis is. Therefore, those who want to get rid of phlebitis (or prevent its occurrence) need to give up the bad habit.

Phlebitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the walls of the veins. In case of complications in the form of formation blood clots phlebitis develops into thrombophlebitis, which is diagnosed due to the detection of partial or complete blockage of the lumen of the vessel.

Species

The disease has its own classification, where there are types of thrombophlebitis depending on the location.

So, they distinguish:

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• peripheral arteries;
• internal organs;
• cerebral phlebitis – damage to the blood vessels of the brain;
• pylephlebitis – damage to the vessels of the collar vein.

Specialists also identified migratory phlebitis of the lower or upper extremities. The course of the disease depends on the duration of development of the pathology and the affected areas. Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis often recur.

Differences in pathology are characterized according to the degree of localization to the wall blood vessel. If a blood clot is present in the outer lining of the vein, then experts diagnose periphlebitis - the pathology develops due to the spread of inflammation in the area surrounding the vein.

If the inflammation is located inside the vein lining, endophlebitis is diagnosed. Sometimes they meet clinical pictures, when inflammation is diagnosed in the inner and outer part of the vein lining, which leads to a diagnosis of panphlebitis.

There is a complicated form of thrombophlebitis - septic, where purulent destruction of the blood clot is determined. At the same time, the infection spreads through all the veins of the body, causing blood poisoning.

Risk factors

Phlebitis develops due to exposure to certain factors, including:

• mechanical trauma and other damage to the vein itself;
• sedentary lifestyle or prolonged stay in a static position;
• installation intravenous catheter, carried out in a hospital;
• complications in postoperative period, where orthopedic operations are often distinguished;
• lack of mobility for a long time, the cause of which was a stroke;
• tumors and other formations oncological nature– lead to blood clotting disorders;
• violations of systemic drainage that arose as a result of removal of lymph nodes;
• addiction to intravenous drug addiction;
• extensive burns.

Clinical picture of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis

The development of pathology occurs with endophlebitis, after which the patient experiences the formation of thrombosis. If you have already started purulent processes, periphlebitis is formed, gradually transforming into thrombophlebitis. But if venous vessels are involved in the process, there is a high probability of developing purulent inflammation.

Infectious inflammation in the situation under consideration is an allergenic factor that provokes significant changes in the biochemical structure of the patient’s blood. There are disturbances in the system of fibrinolysis, hemocoagulation and the reactivity of the body as a whole.

Infectious thrombophlebitis has developmental features in the form of its temporary onset - against the background of recovery. The presented form in most cases is formed in the presence of varicose veins veins, heart disease and other diseases that cause circulatory disorders.

When diagnosing peritrombophlebitis, a specialist can see a loosened and thickened vein wall. It is saturated with exudate, has hemorrhages and small areas of necrosis. The lumens of the veins in this case are expanded. When examined under a microscope, loose fibers can be detected, pushed apart by purulent and serous exudate.

As a result of this expansion, the exudate helps to permeate the middle tunic of the vein. Such a hyperergic reaction in a sharp form often ends in extensive necrosis of the vein. The danger of phlebitis lies in possible development thrombosis in a vein is already initial stage diseases.

Endophlebitis is characterized by changes in the endothelium of the vein, where proliferation, desquamation and degeneration are also observed. If the affected vessel is opened, a dense thrombus with melting in the middle part can be found. In this case, the endothelium becomes dull, acquires a gray-dirty color, and the outer layer of the vein turns red.

When examined using a microscope, the presence of microbes and a group of neutrophilic granulocytes can be detected. The upper shell thickens and has fragments already affected by necrosis, which are largely located between the wall of the vein itself and the formed thrombus.

The outer sections contain large quantities of granulocytes granulation tissue. The middle shell is affected by the processes of leukocyte infiltration, while the outer shell is affected by the expansion of degenerated small vessels. The resulting blood clots often undergo the formation of vein stones called phleboliths.

Symptoms

Why is ascending thrombophlebitis considered very dangerous and what methods of prevention are relevant for it - read.

If you have a predisposition or already have varicose veins, you must follow all doctor’s instructions to prevent complications and treat existing pathology. In particular, such people are prohibited from standing for long periods of time or taking long walks.

To treat or prevent phlebitis of the legs, it is recommended to rest while lying on your back with your legs raised 15-20 cm above the level of your heart.

What are the symptoms and causes of phlebitis? What medications can be used to correct this inflammation? What are the risks of complications?

Let's find out the reasons for the appearance various types, starting with phlebitis of the superficial veins, and then move on to the more dangerous phlebitis of the deep veins.

What is phlebitis - definition of pathology

The term "phlebitis" refers to inflammation of the walls of veins, usually in the lower extremities, but can also appear on upper limbs and eyes.

The term phlebitis is a general one and often includes thrombophlebitis, during which a blood clot forms (a condition known as thrombosis). A blood clot occurs when the inflammatory process is caused by the action of histamine, which stimulates platelets to aggregate and form a blood clot.

In general, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis are equivalent, and often in medicine there is no clear boundary between one and the other. Phlebitis usually affects the upper and lower extremities, but can affect any vein in the body.

After explaining what it is, let's look at what types of phlebitis there are and how they manifest themselves.

Types of phlebitis - superficial, deep and other classifications

Phlebitis can be classified depending on the location of occurrence, the underlying cause and the type of vein affected.

As for the differences depending on the type of vein, we have the following division:

• Superficial thrombophlebitis: veins located just below the surface of the skin are affected, in particular saphenous veins. This type of phlebitis does not cause any particular problems and has a benign prognosis in most cases. Usually associated with varicose veins.
• Thrombophlebitis of deep veins: a type of phlebitis involving deep veins (and therefore can also be called internal phlebitis), such as femoral vein. It is considered more dangerous, since as it approaches vital organs, it can cause thrombosis, slowing down venous blood flow with the formation of blood clots, which can break off and, once in the organ, cause serious consequences, which we will see below.

However, there are types of phlebitis that have a specific location, in particular:

• Hemorrhoidal: This type of phlebitis occurs on the hemorrhoidal veins. This causes pain and can develop into thrombosed hemorrhoids.
• Retina: A type of phlebitis that involves the veins of the eyes that supply blood to the retina. It usually manifests itself as a sudden loss of vision.

Finally, some types of phlebitis are localized primarily on the upper extremities, in the elbow area, which is caused by the use of catheters or syringes.

Depending on the cause, we can distinguish the following types of phlebitis:

• Chemical: This is phlebitis that develops as a result of the injection of a drug or drug solution into a vein. Amazes inner part venous wall.
• Mechanical: caused by friction that occurs between the needle and the vascular wall and is therefore associated with physical injury vascular wall, for example, after blood sampling.
• Bacterial: Also called infectious or septic phlebitis, it is caused by bacteria entering a vein along with an injection or from an IV.

Phlebitis of superficial or deep veins - symptoms and risks

Phlebitis, being an inflammation, has characteristic symptoms general inflammatory process. The affected part turns red and becomes hot, and swelling that is painful to the touch appears.

TO associated symptoms include itching, difficulty walking, swelling of the legs or arms, and sometimes cramps. Moreover, in the case of superficial phlebitis, you may feel the affected veins under the surface of the skin as they harden and take on a “rope” consistency.

Symptoms are more noticeable in the case of superficial phlebitis, while in deep vein phlebitis Symptoms may be absent or may include diffuse pain in the affected areas, high fever, skin ulcerations, and you may notice that the leg has swellings that look like bruises.

Superficial phlebitis, although usually benign, can cause some problems, for example:

• Varicose veins: formed due to damage to vein valves by blood clots. If the venous valve is damaged, then the normal return of blood does not occur, therefore, as a rule, congestion and dilatation of the superficial veins and the formation of varicose veins appear.
• Ulcers and skin discoloration: arise as a result of stagnation of blood and the pressure it puts on the walls of the veins.
• Obstructive phlebitis: That is, a blood clot occludes a vein and impedes venous circulation.

Phlebitis of deep veins may lead to serious consequences for health, among which the most serious are:

• Heart attack and stroke: obstructive deep vein phlebitis, that is, which leads to the formation of a blood clot, can cause a heart attack or stroke. In fact, if a blood clot breaks away from the vein in which it formed and travels to the heart or brain, it can block the vessel and interfere with blood flow to the organ.
• Thromboembolism pulmonary artery : A blood clot that breaks away from a vein can also block a vessel in the lungs, causing the condition of pulmonary embolism, which is potentially fatal to a person.

But what are the reasons that lead to the development of phlebitis?

Causes or risk factors of phlebitis

Superficial and deep phlebitis are diagnosed using approximately the same techniques for both types of phlebitis. Although the actual causes are not known, risk factors are varied and range from smoking and sedentary lifestyle life before intravenous administration drugs.

Risk factors for phlebitis...

Let's look at the main ones:

• Injuries: Phlebitis from injury can appear in all veins of the body. Develops in individuals undergoing frequent catheterization or simply blood sampling. As a rule, it affects the upper limbs, but there are cases of traumatic phlebitis at the level of varicocele, for example, due to excessive muscle tension, or phlebitis in armpit, caused, for example, by injury during surgery to remove lymph nodes in the armpit if a breast tumor is suspected. Traumatic phlebitis can also develop after seemingly harmless injuries, such as a simple insect bite or bruise, or from skin injuries such as burns.
• Sun: in some subjects who have a predisposition to venous insufficiency, phlebitis may develop as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. This happens because the heat from sun rays causes vasodilation of the superficial veins and this can contribute to stagnation of blood at the venous level.
• Intravenous medications : As mentioned earlier, some drugs administered intravenously can cause phlebitis of the upper extremities. Among the irritant medications that can cause this disorder are iron, potassium chloride and chemotherapy drugs.
• Oral drugs: taking certain medications such as birth control pills, may represent a risk factor for the occurrence of phlebitis. Because this drug causes an increase in blood clotting and can provoke inflammation of the veins and the formation of blood clots.
• Immobility: sitting for a long time in one position, e.g. long trips on an airplane, forced immobility due to hospitalization, during pregnancy, all of this represents risk factors for the occurrence of phlebitis, because it leads to prolonged stagnation of blood in the veins.
• Coagulation disorders: there are several genetic or hereditary diseases, which cause blood clotting problems and lead to the problem of blood clots and inflammation of the veins.
• Tumors: It is possible that phlebitis can be caused by certain tumors that cause abnormal production of clotting factors and therefore lead to the formation of blood clots. For example, a pancreatic tumor.
• Smoking and obesity: They are considered risk factors because they increase inflammatory processes at the vein level (especially smoking). Obesity also contributes to stagnation venous blood, which leads to the formation of blood clots and inflammation of the veins.
• Pregnancy: the pregnancy period can lead to the appearance of phlebitis, because it requires a period of forced rest and immobility, and the pressure of the uterus also affects venous system lower extremities. This determines greater stagnation of blood in the veins during long period, which provokes inflammation and phlebitis.
• Sport: some sports activities may represent a risk factor for the occurrence of phlebitis. These include horseback riding or boating, which force the athlete to maintain one position for a long time, as well as tennis or basketball, which cause excessive muscle tension, with sudden stops and immediate starts of movement.

Other risk factors for phlebitis include: old age and diabetes mellitus. Older people have a higher prevalence of vascular and circulatory diseases, which in itself is a risk factor for phlebitis, in the case of diabetes, excess sugar in the blood causes damage and inflammation at the level of the veins, thus putting them at risk of developing phlebitis.

Diagnosis of phlebitis - if you suspect, contact an angiologist

Which diagnostic examinations should be performed if phlebitis is suspected?

Whenever symptoms of phlebitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor who, depending on the symptoms and results initial examination, will give preliminary conclusion. Typically, for more accurate diagnosis Phlebitis The doctor may also require a blood test to detect a substance called D-dimer, which promotes coagulation.

High levels of D-dimer may indicate the development of phlebitis, but this determination of the value of this indicator is not sufficient to confirm the diagnosis, so additional tests are required:

• Ultrasound: through reflection sound waves an image is generated on the screen, which makes it possible to detect the presence of blood clots.
• Doppler ECHO: This is a type of two-dimensional ultrasound that helps to better see any areas affected by blood clots or blood stagnation.
• CT and MRI: used if ultrasound does not give a clear result.
• Venography: This is a test that includes an introduction contrast agent into large veins (depending on where the symptoms are located) and the use of x-rays.

Of course, it is better to prevent the development of phlebitis, but how?

Care and prevention of phlebitis of veins

Phlebitis lasts from 10 days to 2-6 weeks in the case of the superficial type and from three to six months in the case of deep vein phlebitis. As a rule, this condition does not require hospitalization, with the exception of severe cases.

So, let's see what remedies should be used to prevent phlebitis of the superficial and deep veins.

Natural remedies and protection

Non-pharmacological therapy for phlebitis, both superficial and deep, aims to reduce symptoms and dissolve the resulting blood clot.

• Bandage: elastic bandage used to treat phlebitis of deep and superficial veins, it is tied around the affected part for effective compression. This reduces the swelling that occurs as a result of inflammation and therefore reduces pain, redness and swelling. In addition, the elastic bandage helps normalize the speed of blood flow. Bandages can be impregnated with zinc oxide, which has an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant effect, and also accelerates the healing process.
• Elastic stockings : used as maintenance therapy and have different degrees compressions, which are chosen in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations. It works on the same principle as an elastic bandage.
• Vascular physiotherapy: This is a set of techniques that use drainage and pressure therapy to improve blood circulation and lead to the dissolution of clots.
• Keep your feet up: Elevate your legs while you lie down - this helps stimulate venous circulation and avoid blood stagnation. This is a remedy that is also considered valid for the prevention of thrombophlebitis.
• Application of compresses: You can support blood circulation with local therapy through the use of compresses on the affected areas, alternating hot and cold compresses (for example, alternating a heating pad and an ice pack).
• Nutrition: The diet of those suffering from phlebitis should contain many antioxidant components such as tomatoes, red fruits, citrus fruits and all foods containing flavonoids and vitamin C. These elements help strengthen the walls of the veins and are natural anti-inflammatory agents. Among the foods that should be avoided are fats of animal origin, such as butter or meat, because they cause the accumulation of fat at the level of blood vessels, worsening the problem.
• Phytotherapy: plants are mainly used to treat superficial phlebitis, in particular, hawthorn and holly are actively used.

  Holly is an evergreen plant that contains active ingredients such as essential oils camphor, anethole, resins, flavonoids and linalyl acetate. These active substances have an anti-inflammatory effect, strengthen capillaries and counteract the development of varicose veins, therefore, are useful in treatment of phlebitis because they help improve blood circulation.

Hawthorn is a perennial plant that contains active ingredients such as tannins, vitamin C, oxalic acid and its derivatives terpenes. Valid on peripheral circulation- stimulates and improves it, therefore, helps cure phlebitis.

• SPA treatments: The benefits of thermal waters can be used to improve venous blood circulation. However, this remedy is not suitable for all types of phlebitis, so before going for a spa treatment, consult your doctor to avoid worsening the problem.

Using medications to treat phlebitis

Drug therapy is suitable for the treatment of both superficial phlebitis and deep vein phlebitis. It is used to reduce symptoms and speed up healing.

In particular, the following medications are used:

• Anti-inflammatory and painkillers: Serve to reduce inflammation and fight pain. The most commonly used are ibuprofen and paracetamol. In the case of superficial phlebitis, it is sufficient to use an ointment with anti-inflammatory components.
• Anticoagulants: used to improve free blood circulation and have an antiplatelet effect on platelets. The most commonly used are heparin and warfarin.
• Fibrinolytic: Medicines that cause fibrin clots to dissolve and therefore they help dissolve the clot. Among them are tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase and urokinase.
• Antibiotics used to prevent infections. One of the most commonly used is amoxicillin, which has wide range actions.

Attention: the choice of the type of drug used, combination of drugs, dosage and duration of therapy are determined solely by the doctor, depending on the individual situation.

If drug therapy does not bring the expected effect, then surgical methods are used.

Surgical intervention - surgery in severe cases

If drug therapy and non-pharmacological treatment do not give results, or in case of severe phlebitis, resort to surgery:

• Removal of varicose veins: In case phlebitis occurs in one or more varicose veins, the doctor may decide to remove these veins to permanently solve the problem. The intervention is performed in outpatient setting, A full recovery occurs over several weeks.
• Venous filter installation: This intervention, performed when the patient cannot take anticoagulants, involves installing a filter in the cavity of a large vein, such as the abdominal vena cava, which will prevent the blood clot from passing to vital organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. It is performed with hospitalization under ordinary local anesthesia.
• Bypass surgery: In more severe cases, bypass surgery is necessary to restore normal blood circulation.

How to prevent phlebitis

• Avoid prolonged immobility by standing up whenever possible.
• If you cannot avoid immobility, wear elastic stockings prescribed by your doctor.
• Don't smoke and try to maintain a normal body weight.
• Spend time with moderate physical activity.
• When you feel that your legs are tired, lift them and smooth them from your feet to your hips.
• Choose healthy foods that contain dietary fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C.
• If you have a tendency to venous or capillary weakness, if you suffer from varicose veins, then try not to be in the sun for a long time, take contraceptives and avoid other situations mentioned in the chapter on risks.