Customer question:
Thrombophlebitis - what is it? What therapy is recommended for this? Anonymous Customer
Pharmacist's answer
Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory condition caused by a blood clot blocking one or more veins, usually in the legs. The affected vein can be located near the skin's surface (superficial thrombophlebitis) or deep in the muscle (deep vein thrombosis or GVT).
In the case of superficial thrombophlebitis, the doctor will most likely recommend heating the painful area, elevating the affected leg, using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs without a prescription, Detralex, and possibly wearing compression stockings. The condition usually improves on its own.
The doctor can also recommend the following treatments for both types of thrombophlebitis:
- Blood-thinning medicines: if you have deep vein thrombosis, injecting a blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulant) can help prevent the clots from getting more significant. Blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding, so follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
- Clot-dissolving drugs: Treatment with a clot-dissolving drug is called thrombolysis. Alteplase (Activase) is used to dissolve blood clots in people with extensive deep vein thrombosis, including those with a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Compression stockings: Prescription compression stockings can help prevent swelling and reduce the chances of complications from deep vein thrombosis.
- Removal of varicose veins: the surgeon removes varicose veins that cause pain or recurrent thrombophlebitis. The procedure involves removing a long vein through small incisions. Removing the vein will not affect the blood flow since the deeper veins require increased blood.
Interesting reading: Phlebitis
Interesting reading: Deep-vein-thrombosis
