What is thrombophlebitis?
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in your legs.
Causes include trauma, surgery or prolonged inactivity.
Symptoms
Superficial thrombophlebitis signs and symptoms include:
- Warmth, tenderness and pain in the affected area
- Redness and swelling
Deep vein thrombosis signs and symptoms include:
- Pain
- Swelling
When to see a doctor
See your doctor right away if you have a red, swollen or tender vein — especially if you have one or more risk factors for thrombophlebitis.
Call your local emergency number if:
- The vein swelling and pain are severe
- You also have shortness of breath or chest pain, are coughing up blood, or have other symptoms that may indicate a blood clot traveling to your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
Causes
The cause of thrombophlebitis is a blood clot, which can form in your blood as a result of:
- An injury to a vein
- An inherited blood-clotting disorder
- Being immobile for long periods, such as during an injury or a hospital stay
Risk factors
Your risk of thrombophlebitis increases if you:
- Are inactive for a prolonged period, either because you're confined to bed or you're traveling in a car or plane for a long period
- Have varicose veins
- Are pregnant or have just given birth
- Use birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, which can make your blood more likely to clot
- Have a family history of a blood-clotting disorder or a tendency to form blood clots
- Have had previous episodes of thrombophlebitis
- Have had a stroke
- Are older than 60
- Are overweight or obese
- Have cancer
- Smoke
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombophlebitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354607
