Thrombophlebitis of lower extremities
Thrombophlebitis refers to a disease associated with an increase in the veins of the lower extremities, their obstruction due to the formation of blood clots. If the veins located at the surface of the skin are affected, then this condition is classified as thrombophlebitis of superficial veins;If the veins that are deep in the muscle tissue, then talk about thrombophlebitis of deep veins.
Depression of the deep veins significantly increases the risk of serious complications, for example, a thrombus rupture, which can lead to a blockage of the pulmonary artery and lead to a state of pulmonary embolism. Often thrombophlebitis of the extremities develops in people with low physical activity, for example, with a sedentary lifestyle or with prolonged bed rest due to illness.
Symptoms of
In the case of superficial thrombophlebitis, small patches of reddened skin appear on the skin of the patient, under which a seal is felt. These rednesses become painful and hot. With thrombophlebitis of deep veins, edema of the legs, pain and heaviness in the legs are observed, which is very disturbing when walking and standing. Sometimes thrombophlebitis causes an increase in body temperature. Often, thrombophlebitis does not impart any symptoms.
If symptoms of thrombophlebitis occur, it is recommended that you consult a doctor immediately. This must be done if there are risk factors for thrombophlebitis( sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, thrombophlebitis in relatives).In case the veins are swollen, very sore, there is shortness of breath, the blood coughs up, you should immediately see a doctor. These symptoms are fraught with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
Reasons for
The main cause of thrombophlebitis lies in the formation of blood clots that interfere with normal blood flow. Basically, clots are formed with damage to the veins, but the network cases of congenital disorders in the blood clotting system. In such people the probability of thrombophlebitis is very high. Long trips, flights, sedentary work, decreased activity - all these are additional factors leading to the formation of clots. In order to avoid the severe consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, it is recommended to take appropriate measures: doing warm-ups, wearing pulling stockings, taking walks after work - all this will significantly reduce the risk of blood clots.
Risk factors for the development of thrombophlebitis
The main factors include:
- Stroke in history that caused paralysis of the legs
- Malignant pancreatic tumor and other types of cancer
- Pregnancy and some time after the birth of the child, the leg veins feel a great load
- Obesity, obesity, overweight
- Receiving birth control pills based on hormones, drugs for hormone replacement therapy
- Genetic predisposition( disorders in the blood coagulation system at the gene level)
- Age from 60 years and older
Diagnosis
Based on the examination of the lower limbs and patient complaints, a preliminary diagnosis is made. The doctor examines skin changes, reveals painful areas, palpates the veins. In thrombophlebitis, a blood test must be performed, in the profile of which the symptoms of increased coagulation can be seen. To clarify the diagnosis, often appointed radiopaque phlebography and triplex scanning.
Treatment of
The treatment strategy depends on the course of thrombophlebitis. If the thrombus is close to the joint of the deep vein and can lead to life-threatening complications, the doctor may prescribe a "local" operation - a crossectomy. It consists in dressing the damaged vein at the point of flow into the deep veins. Conservative treatment is reduced to the appointment of anti-inflammatory drugs, heparin gels and ointments. If there are no contraindications, you can undergo radical treatment, that is, an operation to eliminate the underlying varicose veins. Operation allows you to solve several problems at once. First, stop the passage of thrombi into deep veins;Second, to rid itself of varicose veins;And, thirdly, to save time and finance on treatment in two long stages.
