A vein is a blood vessel that takes blood towards the heart. If a vein becomes inflamed, a blood clot commonly forms inside the inflamed portion. So, the term thrombophlebitis is used to mean an inflamed vein, with or without a small blood clot inside the vein. Thrombophlebitis is commonly just called phlebitis.
This is a very common condition and, although figures are difficult to find, it seems to be more common in those aged over 60 in India. It also results as a consequence of the Intravenous therapy. Intravenous therapy has the objective of administering medications, fluids, electrolytes and blood products to patients. This therapy is most often administered through peripheral venous access, the installation of which is a routine procedure performed in the hospital environment under the responsibility of the nursing staff. Untrained and malpractice by nurses in this regard is one of the major cause of phlebitis in India.
Phlebitis frequently occurs with an intravenous cannula. Either the cannula or the infusion may have caused the inflammation. A small lump may appear days or weeks after the cannula has been removed and it can take months to resolve completely. The common sites coincide with those of common medical interventions (arm or neck with external jugular vein cannulation).
Phlebitis in a varicose vein develops as a tender hard knot in the vein. There is often erythema and bleeding may occur as the reaction extends through the vein wall. It is common with venous stasis ulcers. Both varicose vein and venous skin ulcers are common in South Asian countries
Phlebitis has many causes. Some of the common causes of phlebitis are: Know More
Phlebitis is most common in the lower part of the legs, but can also affect other parts. Phlebitis, if mild, may or may not cause symptoms. Mentioned below are the complaints regarding phlebitis: Know More
It’s not that much difficult to prevent phlebitis. Following points should be kept in mind to keep a reasonable distance from phlebitis: Know More
