phlebitis /phle·bi·tis/ (flĕ-bi´tis) inflammation of a vein.phlebit´ic
Phlebitis
phlebitis.
phlebitis [flĕ-bi´tis]
phlebitis (fl
bī´tis),
phlebitis
sinus phlebitis inflammation of a cerebral sinus.
phle·bi·tis (fl -b  ts)n. Inflammation of a vein. phle·bit ic (-btk) adj. |
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a vein.
phlebitis.
See thrombophlebitis.
phlebitis [flĕ-bi´tis]
inflammation of a vein, especially one in a lower limb. It is usually not serious in a superficial vein, since these veins are numerous enough to permit blood flow to be rechanneled so that it bypasses the inflamed vein. When a deep vein is involved, however, it may be more dangerous. It can also have serious consequences in certain areas such as the veins of the cranium, where it may lead to cerebral abscess. adj., adj phlebit´ic.
The causes of phlebitis are uncertain; it often occurs for no apparent reason. At other times, it seems to follow some other disorder, such as a circulatory difficulties like venous stasis, a blood disorder such as a myeloproliferative disorder, or obesity with concomitant lack of activity and venous stasis. It may also be a result of injury to a vein, either after an accident or occasionally as an aftermath of surgery.
Once in about a hundred births phlebitis develops in a newly delivered mother; in such cases it usually appears about 10 days after delivery. This form of phlebitis is commonly called “milk leg,” because it is associated with the onset of milk production by the mother. It may also develop when circulation is sluggish after long periods of staying in bed without proper exercising of the limbs and frequent changing of position.
The causes of phlebitis are uncertain; it often occurs for no apparent reason. At other times, it seems to follow some other disorder, such as a circulatory difficulties like venous stasis, a blood disorder such as a myeloproliferative disorder, or obesity with concomitant lack of activity and venous stasis. It may also be a result of injury to a vein, either after an accident or occasionally as an aftermath of surgery.
Once in about a hundred births phlebitis develops in a newly delivered mother; in such cases it usually appears about 10 days after delivery. This form of phlebitis is commonly called “milk leg,” because it is associated with the onset of milk production by the mother. It may also develop when circulation is sluggish after long periods of staying in bed without proper exercising of the limbs and frequent changing of position.
Symptoms and Treatment. When phlebitis occurs in a superficial vein, there is usually pain and tenderness. This may be so slight at first that it is felt only when pressure is applied. As the inflammation increases, the pain becomes more acute, especially during walking or other exercise. The inflamed area swells and becomes red and warm. A tender cordlike mass may form under the skin; it may grow smaller as the condition subsides, but occasionally lasts for some time. When the inflammation occurs in a deep vein and affects the tunica intima, there may be formation of a thrombus on the vein wall, a condition known as thrombophlebitis. When clots in the veins interfere with the normal flow of blood, fluid accumulates and causes edema.
If phlebitis is superficial, the patient usually does not have to be confined to bed. When deeper veins are affected, however, or if the inflammation is severe, bed rest may be required. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to combat infection. In some extreme cases, or when an embolism is likely to occur, surgery with removal of the clot may be necessary as a preventive measure. In persons prone to thrombophlebitis, anticoagulants are used as a preventive measure along with graduated elastic stockings, particularly when long periods of bed rest are required.
If phlebitis is superficial, the patient usually does not have to be confined to bed. When deeper veins are affected, however, or if the inflammation is severe, bed rest may be required. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to combat infection. In some extreme cases, or when an embolism is likely to occur, surgery with removal of the clot may be necessary as a preventive measure. In persons prone to thrombophlebitis, anticoagulants are used as a preventive measure along with graduated elastic stockings, particularly when long periods of bed rest are required.
phlebitis (fl
bī´tis),n inflammation of a vein. See also thrombophlebitis.
phlebitis
inflammation of a vein.
Phlebitis is not serious when the inflammation is located in a superficial vein since these veins are numerous enough to permit the flow of blood to be rechanneled, so that the inflamed vein is bypassed. When a deep vein is involved, however, phlebitis is potentially more dangerous. It can also have serious consequences if it leads to cerebral abscesses.
The common causes in animals are omphalophlebitis and injection phlebitis caused by the inadvertent injection of irritant substances or the prolonged use of intravenous catheters. The vein is swollen and painful and the blood flow obstructed.
phlebitis
Venous thrombosis, thrombophlebitis Surgery Venous inflammation. See Thrombophlebitis.
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