Thrombophlebitis is a medical condition where inflammation of the vein happens due to an unexpected blood clot. Since the blood clot affects the blood flow in the human body, Thrombophlebitis can be a dangerous medical condition that requires immediate medical attention as soon as it is identified, says our Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale
So this blog is dedicated to improving awareness about this medical condition. Here we help you understand Thrombophlebitis – its causes, risks and treatment options and prevention guidelines. Read on:
What is Thrombophlebitis?
Thrombophlebitis is a medical condition that results in painful, inflamed veins due to unexpected blood clotting. While Phlebitis refers to painfully red and inflamed veins, thrombo- refers to clotting of the blood.
What are the different types of Thrombophlebitis?
Depending on the location of the vein where the blood is clotted, there are two types of Thrombophlebitis:
Superficial Thrombophlebitis: This condition happens when the blood clot happens in the superficial veins under the skin. Though this blood clot doesn’t reach the lungs, it does inflame the veins and cause pain.
Deep Vein Thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis: When a vein that is very deep inside the body suffers blood clot, the risk of this lot travelling to the lungs and blocking the blood flow to the lungs increases multifold. The clot reaching the lungs leads to Pulmonary Embolus a common cause of death in hospitalized patients, according to Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale.
So what causes Thrombophlebitis?
While slight injury to the vein may sometimes trigger Thrombophlebitis, in other cases this condition may occur due to no apparent reasons. Some of the risk factors that may increase the chance of Thrombophlebitis include varicose veins, intravenous injection or cannulation, change in blood clotting due to HRT therapy, contraceptive medications, smoking may also trigger Thrombophlebitis.
Since anyone can get Thrombophlebitis and being an elusive condition that is not always easy to identify unless symptoms are presented (which they do not always), Thrombophlebitis can be a dangerous condition, says Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale, a heart specialist and cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad.
What are the symptoms of Thrombophlebitis?
Symptoms of Thrombophlebitis condition depends on the type of Thrombophlebitis that is diagnosed in patients. In few cases, the patient may not have any symptoms but when they do symptoms involve leg pain warmth, tenderness, pain, redness and swelling in cases of Superficial Thrombophlebitis. As for Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis (DVT), the symptoms involve pain, swelling, increased warmth, discoloured or red skin.
In rare cases, as said, the patients with DVT may not have any symptoms until they reach Pulmonary Embolism which causes shortness of breath, blood coughing and pain with deep breathing. As said earlier, Thrombophlebitis can be a fatal condition that may graduate in any symptoms which is why every patient must consult a specialist at the first sign of any symptoms.
If the patient has a prior history of heart condition or is on medications that trigger clotting problems, they are requested to consult a cardiothoracic surgeon as soon as possible. If you live in and around Hyderabad and are looking for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Hyderabad, then Dr Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale is one of the Best cardiothoracic surgeons in India who can help you. Contact him here: 9603040506
