Unveiling Phlebitis: A Comprehensive Overview

Veins, responsible for transporting blood from organs back to the heart, can be susceptible to inflammation or damage, impacting mobility and even posing serious health risks.

1. Grasping Phlebitis

Peripheral vascular diseases encompass conditions affecting blood vessels that supply peripheral organs like the heart, brain, aorta, arms, and legs. Phlebitis, a common condition within this group, pertains to the inflammation of veins resulting from structural damage, deformities, swelling, or pain.

Divided into two categories based on vein characteristics, phlebitis includes:

• Superficial Phlebitis: Involving smaller, more visible veins, often triggered by external factors like intravenous catheterization or certain fluids. Usually resolves when therapy is discontinued.
• Deep Phlebitis (Thrombophlebitis): Affecting larger veins deep within muscles, often caused by blood clot formation. This condition, if not promptly addressed, can lead to severe consequences such as pulmonary embolism.

2. Recognizing Phlebitis Symptoms

Leg phlebitis is more prevalent due to the distance from the body's core, weight-bearing, and gravitational impact.

Common symptoms include limb pain, restricted movement, skin swelling, warmth, and edema in the affected area. Superficial phlebitis manifests as a tender, red area along a vein, accompanied by pain, swelling, itchiness, and burning sensation. Deep phlebitis exhibits similar symptoms, with pain potentially affecting the entire lower extremity, often intensified during leg movement.

Systemic symptoms may appear with deep vein inflammation, including low-grade fever, fatigue, palpitations, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and even coughing up blood if clots move to the lungs.

3. Identifying Phlebitis Causes

Phlebitis often results from external factors, trauma, or irritation of blood vessel linings.

Superficial phlebitis triggers encompass intravenous catheterization, infected needle sites, irritating drug injections, or concentrated fluids. Deep vein thrombosis can stem from surgical trauma, fractures, prolonged inactivity, extended bed rest, or continuous standing.
Genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, connective tissue disorders, and factors like smoking, obesity, and certain medications may also heighten risk.

4. Assessing Phlebitis Severity

Superficial phlebitis typically remains localized and manageable if addressed promptly. Ignored superficial phlebitis can lead to infection, potentially progressing to septicemia.

Deep phlebitis poses significant risks beyond local inflammation, especially when blood clots migrate to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism. This situation necessitates urgent medical attention.

5. Diagnosing and Treating Phlebitis

Diagnosing superficial phlebitis is straightforward, involving identification of causative factors. Treatment typically involves removing the intravenous catheter, discontinuing irritants, and implementing anti-inflammatory measures.

Deep phlebitis requires more complex diagnosis and longer treatment, often involving anticoagulation therapy, sometimes lifelong. Interventions, including mesh filter placement and thrombolytic agents, may be needed in specific cases.

6. Preventive Measures

Preventing deep phlebitis involves avoiding clot-inducing factors:

• Mobilize post-surgery.
• Avoid prolonged standing.
• Wear compression stockings when necessary.
• Stretch and stay hydrated during extended flights.