Thrombophlebitis

Updated on: August 18, 2014

What Is Thrombophlebitis?

Thrombophlebitis basically means a blood clot which has occurred in a vein and caused inflammation. Thrombophlebitis can occur in either the superficial or deep veins anywhere in the body. In general thrombophlebitis is more common in the leg veins. When thrombophlebitis occurs in the deep veins, it is known as deep vein thrombosis. Thrombophlebitis can also develop in the arm veins. This is usually seen whenever an intravenous is started in a hospital. The intravenous fluids or chemicals may leak out of the vein or they may cause irritation of the vein. Most individuals will complain of pain at the site of the IV. The superficial veins in the legs also develop blood clots and this is common during pregnancy. Most pregnant females will complain of tender veins during pregnancy.

Unlike the deep venous thrombosis, superficial thrombophlebitis is not dangerous to health. Blood clots in the deep veins can break off and migrate to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

In all cases, when a blood clot occurs in the vein it stimulates a number of reactions from the body. There are numerous chemicals released both by the vein and the blood clot and these chemicals cause an intense inflammatory reaction of the vein. The inflammatory reaction may be localized or affect the entire vein.

When thrombophlebitis occurs, most individuals will complain of:

- Pain

- Swelling of the legs

- Tenderness to touch

- Redness

- Limp when walking

- Area is warm to touch

Any condition that causes blood clots to form in the vein can cause thrombophlebitis. The risk factors for thrombophlebitis include:

- Prolonged period of bed rest

- Long distance flying

- Post surgery

- After a stroke, heart attack

- Having cancer

- Pregnancy

- Use of birth control pill

- Trauma

- Obesity

- Inherited blood clotting disorders

- Smokers

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