symptoms, causes and treatment of venous thrombosis

Phlebitis, more commonly known as venous thrombosis, is a cardiovascular disorder due to blockage of a vein by a blood clot, most often in the leg and calf. The point on this pathology.

–

The phlebitis, also called venous thrombosis, is caused by blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), completely or partially blocking circulation. If it can occur anywhere in the body, it most commonly occurs in the legs.

There are two types depending on the affected vein and the degree of severity:

• The superficial phlebitis most commonly affects the veins just under the skin at the level of a varicose vein. The clot is small and does not pose a health risk.

• The deep phlebitis appears in the deep venous network, which supplies muscles and tissues. There is more blood flow there and puts more pressure on the clot. It can then detach and reach the heart, where it can block one of the main arteries. Deep phlebitis causes many serious complications, like a pulmonary embolism, and requires immediate hospital treatment.

Every year according to Inserm data, deep phlebitis would affect between 50 and 100,000 people and superficial phlebitis 250,000 people – “even if this figure is probably underestimated”, notes the organization.

What are the symptoms of phlebitis?

Symptoms differ depending on the type of phlebitis. The superficial phlebitis is the most easily visible. We observe swelling and hardening of the vein under the skin. The inflammation usually spreads over the surrounding skin area, making it painful and tender to the touch. Edema may also form.

Symptoms of deep phlebitis depend on the location of the blood clot. They are less marked and therefore harder to diagnose. There is generally a deep calf or thigh pain, a feeling of warmth, numbness in the leg and in some cases the appearance of edema.

The patient experiences pain when lifting the ball of the foot up. This is called the homans sign, characteristic of venous thrombosis.

What are the causes and reasons?

Some people have more predispositions than others. People with Cancer and the pregnant women thus see the risks of contracting a phlebitis multiplied by 4. People suffering fromvenous insufficiency (nervous system failure) or heart problems (pacemaker) are also more at risk than average.

In addition, a long period of immobility (air travel), prolonged bed rest, smoking, age and obesity also play a role in the development of phlebitis.

What are the treatments?

In case of deep phlebitis, treatment with anticoagulant drugs must be prescribed immediately. Their purpose is to dissolve the blood clot. The most used are low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and antivitamin K (AVK).