How to recognize phlebitis: features of inflammation of the venous walls

Phlebitis, or inflammation of the vein wall, can develop for various reasons, but most often it is provoked by varicose veins. The disease can take place in acute and chronic form, affect the superficial and deep veins, not only of the lower extremities, but also the collar vein, cerebral vessels. In some cases, with the development of phlebitis, damage to the arteries may join. The acute form of phlebitis is difficult and in most cases is complicated by thrombophlebitis. The doctor needs to know the symptoms of phlebitis in order not to miss complications that provoke life-threatening thrombosis processes for the patient.

Causes of phlebitis development and classification of its forms

The main reason for the development of inflammation of the venous walls – phlebitis is varicose veins of the lower extremities. In addition, phlebitis can develop with vein abscesses, with infection of deep wounds (especially streptococcus), as a complication after some infectious diseases.

• Phlebitis is classified according to the location of inflammation –
• periphlebitis – affects the vein from the outside (usually when inflammation passes to the vein wall from the surrounding tissues);
• endophlebitis – inflammation of the inner lining of the vein (occurs with the intravenous administration of certain drugs, with a long stay of the catheter in the vein);
• panphlebitis – disease of the vein from the outer walls and inner membranes at the same time.

Phlebitis can develop as a result of an allergic reaction of the body. Inflammation of the venous walls occurs after childbirth and is very painful. Young men are often diagnosed with migratory phlebitis, when the veins of the upper extremities become inflamed along with the veins of the lower extremities, and this is accompanied by damage to the arteries.

Symptoms of phlebitis, its treatment and possible complications

Acute onset of superficial vein phlebitis  characterized by redness and thickening of the skin over the affected area, while the skin temperature rises. The vein becomes tense and painful, sometimes red streaks appear along the inflamed vein. The patient complains of fever and general weakness.

If deep veins become inflamed, then the symptoms are similar, but the limb does not turn red, but acquires a milky-white skin color and looks edematous.

Phlebitis of superficial veins is treated on an outpatient basis, with inflammation of the deep veins, hospitalization is indicated due to the high risk of thrombosis. The use of anti-inflammatory & nbsp; drugs, therapy aimed at nourishing and strengthening the vascular walls, reducing blood viscosity.

The danger of phlebitis, especially in deep vein lesions, lies in the likelihood of developing thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism. In addition, with phlebitis there is a risk of joining an infectious lesion of the walls with the development of an abscess and phlegmon.