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Thrombophlebitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Phlebitis

Treatment:

In general, treatment may include support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort as well as medications, such as:

• Analgesics (pain medications)
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) to prevent new clots from forming
• Thrombolytics to dissolve an existing clot
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
• Antibiotics (if infection is present)

The patient may be told to do the following: 

• Raise the affected area to reduce swelling
• Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage
• Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.

For more specific recommendations, see the particular condition ( superficial thrombophlebitis or deep venous thrombosis ).

Expectations (prognosis):

Thrombophlebitis and other forms of phlebitis usually respond to prompt medical treatment.

Complications:

Superficial thrombophlebitis rarely causes complications. However, there is a high risk of complications when the clot if in a deeper vein (deep vein thrombosis). Complications of deep vein thrombosis include blood clots in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ), heart attack , and stroke .

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of thrombophlebitis.

Call your health care provider promptly if thrombophlebitis symptoms do not improve with treatment, if symptoms get worse, or if new symptoms occur (such as an entire limb becoming pale , cold, or swollen).

• Review Date: 5/24/2006
• Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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