Symptoms, causes and treatment of thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is a special disease that develops in the varicose veins. Sometimes this ailment occurs in absolutely healthy people. Pathology, as a rule, is formed in the lower extremities.

Thrombophlebitis reasons

When diagnosing such a disease, first of all, it is necessary to cope with the causes that are guilty of the development of the disease. In a small percentage of cases, the disease progresses from superficial veins to deep veins. This is why it is especially important to start treatment immediately at the very first symptoms of the disease.

For the formation and growth of a thrombus, the presence of three components is necessary: ​​damage to the vein wall of any nature, slowed blood circulation, as well as a violation of the coagulation process blood... The disease is sometimes provoked by an infection that gets on the wall of the vein from nearby tissues.

The main reasons for the development of thrombophlebitis are:

• Long standing or sitting, bed rest.
• Varicose veins. In the dilated areas of the veins, the blood flow process is disrupted. This causes inflammation in the walls of the veins and helps blood clots develop.
• Pregnancy period, gynecological operations, childbirth.
• Use of hormonal contraceptives.
• Large excess weight.
• High coagulability blood because of illness.
• Malignant neoplasms.
• Heredity.
• Postponed infections.

Thrombophlebitis symptoms

This disease begins gradually. Initially, redness appears around the damaged vein and the skin thickens. With the development of the inflammatory process, redness spreads along the course of the vein. Sometimes the inflammatory process also captures small nearby veins and then looks like a cobweb.

Even in a very severe case of the disease, thrombophlebitis can proceed practically without symptoms. It's just that in this area, the skin becomes hot, painful and dense.

Thrombophlebitis usually develops on the legs. In this case, persistent reddening of the skin develops, a persistent venous pattern appears. Sometimes the resulting blood clot clogs the vein and causes blue discoloration.

The skin in the vein area becomes edematous, constant itching appears, and throbbing pain is felt. An attack of pain can be caused by a rapid change in the position of the legs.

Over time, the patient develops a fever, the body temperature rises to 38 degrees. If an infection joins, then the fever increases. An abscess forms under the surface of the skin, after its breakthrough, pus comes out.

Thrombophlebitis treatment

For the treatment of this disease, I use a conservative method or an operative one. The first technique can be used to eliminate the superficial form of the disease. In this case, the process is carried out on an outpatient basis. The patient must follow the doctor's recommendations, but at the same time can live a normal life.

The affected leg should be kept elevated several times a day. At the same time, cold compresses and heparin ointment under the bandage should be applied to the affected area. To reduce stagnant processes, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. If inflammation develops in nearby tissues, then a course of antibiotics is used.

In the process of treating thrombophlebitis, UHF therapy is widely used. It is very important to frequently bandage the injured leg with elastic bandages.

If the disease affects deeply located veins, then the treatment process is carried out only in stationary conditions. At the first stage of treatment, patients adhere to bed rest. In this case, the leg, affected by thrombophlebitis, is lifted and bandaged with elastic bandages, and the patient is injected with drugs.

On the fifth day of treatment, the patient is allowed to gradually return to his usual life. It is imperative that the patient be engaged in remedial gymnastics. In this case, the exercises must first be done lying down. After a few days, they switch to standing exercises. Then the patient is prescribed a mandatory walking.

If thrombophlebitis affects deep veins or an ascending form of the disease begins, the patient undergoes an urgent operation. This method of treatment is very reliable, it prevents the further development of the disease and protects against complications.

For healing from thrombophlebitis, it can be used as an aid hirudotherapy and traditional methods of treatment. Moreover, such treatment is aimed at relieving edema, reducing pain and stopping inflammation. Then they use various herbs, decoctions of them, and simply apply plant leaves to the affected veins.

If you decide to use folk remedies for the treatment of thrombophlebitis, then remember that such treatment will in no way replace the conservative or surgical method. Folk recipes can be used only after consulting a doctor.

After the completion of the treatment course, restorative therapy is required - radon or hydrogen sulfide baths.

Thrombophlebitis during pregnancy

In most cases, with the onset of pregnancy, thrombophlebitis is a complication of an already existing varicose veins. In the case of pregnant women, special treatment is necessary. After all, most of the medicines can penetrate the placenta and harm the baby.

In this case, the treatment, as in the general case, can be either conservative or surgical. The choice of the method of treatment should be made by the doctor based on the general condition of the pregnant woman, the place of thrombus formation, the duration of pregnancy and the characteristics of its course.

With the development of an acute form of thrombophlebitis, the therapy process is performed most sparingly. If a blood clot has formed in the lower leg or lower thigh area, then the treatment is performed conservatively. In the early days, compresses with medications are used. During sleep, you need to put your feet on a hill. And during the day, you need to wear compression stockings.

If thrombophlebitis of the ascending form is diagnosed, then an operation is performed to remove the thrombus. It is organized with local anesthesia. The use of modern methods of conducting operations using computer technology greatly facilitates the task.

After the treatment of thrombophlebitis, a pregnant woman is prescribed a control examination. With a positive prognosis, childbirth can be carried out naturally. During childbirth, it is necessary to wear compression stockings. After giving birth, they also need to be worn or bandaged with elastic bandages.

Prevention of thrombophlebitis

If you have a predisposition to the development of thrombophlebitis, it is imperative to carry out prophylaxis that will prevent the development of the disease. First, you need to stop being sedentary. That is, it is imperative to move more and do gymnastics every day.

To eliminate stagnant blood in your legs, lift them often while resting. The legs should be raised slightly above the level of the heart. For convenience, you can place a roller or pillow under your feet. If you are forced to spend a long time without moving, then you need to drink a lot of fluids and often change your body position. To do this, you need to move your feet and toes.

If you have already started thrombophlebitis, be sure to wear compression hosiery to prevent the spread of the disease. Take B vitamins, anticoagulants, and niacin. You should not visit saunas, steam rooms and hot baths. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and do not lift heavy loads.