What are the risks of flebitis?

Flebitis is an inflammation of the veins that have different degrees of risk depending on the type. Flebitis of superficial veins that are seen under the skin tend to cause no risk and usually require no treatment. Surface flebitis can guarantee an investigation for more risky deep venous flebitis or thrombophlebitis.

The legs are usually affected by deep venous flebitis. Symptoms may include pain or swelling in the affected leg. Some may also have a fever and the skin may seem red near flebitis. The leg may have lumps, and people in advanced stages of thrombophlebitis can also experience shortness of breath. The vein is often swollen due to a blood clot blocking. The pressure behind the clot can force the clot into the lungs and cause lung embolism.

lung embolism means that the blood has been blocked into some part of the lungs. When the lungs do not receive blood, tissue can die quickly, resulting in reduced lung capacity as well as heart damage, brain and also maybit death. Those who suspect deep venous flebitis should see a doctor immediately and may expect to remove a blood clot for several days.

those who have a higher risk of deep venous phlebitis are smokers, obese, people who are inactive or have paralysis of their feet, and those who use contraceptive pills. Women for hormone substitution therapy are exposed to increased risk, as well as transsexuals who use estrogen to maintain female appearance. Also, those who had deep venous flebitis in the past have a further risk of developing additional clots.

Surprisingly, blood clots can also be formed in people who are for many years. The current idea is that inactivity on flight plane and pressurization of the plane can be contributing factors. Getting up and walking once an hour and carrying supporting stockings can help reduce this risk.

generally does not smoke, weight loss as needed and maintaining an active lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of deep venous flebitis. Some risk factors such as smoking and using contraceptive pills or estrogen together significantly increase the risk. Anyone using estrogen should certainly stop smoking to reduce the risk of flebitis.