The term "thrombophlebitis of superficial veins" refers to a pathological condition in which an inflammatory process develops in the walls of the vessels. At the same time, a blood clot forms, clogging the lumen of the veins. The disease can both be independent in nature, and can be a sign of progression in the body of another ailment. When the first alarming symptoms occur, you should contact a phlebologist as soon as possible. The specialist will draw up a direction for a comprehensive diagnosis and, based on the results obtained, will draw up a treatment regimen for thrombophlebitis of superficial veins. It may include both conservative and operational techniques.
Pathogenesis
Thrombophlebitis of both deep and superficial veins is always a consequence of a malfunction of several systems. In other words, the disease is multifactorial in nature.
Most often, the main reason is the simultaneous occurrence of disorders in the work of the cardiovascular, lymphatic and circulatory systems. If you ignore the warning signs, the action of these factors will inevitably lead to thrombophlebitis.
The underlying mechanism of the development of the disease is inflammation of the vascular wall with the simultaneous formation of a blood clot. In most cases, the course of the pathological process is microbial in nature. But sometimes it happens that against the background of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins, a bacterial infection joins. In this case, it is customary to say that the process is purulent in nature.
There are two options for the development of the disease:
- Favorable course. Thrombosis stops, inflammation subsides. Subsequently, the patency of the corresponding vessel is restored. This can occur both independently and after therapy. However, in this case it is impossible to speak about the disappearance of the disease, because damage to the valve apparatus is always observed, and subsequently this exacerbates the clinical picture of venous insufficiency.
- The inflammatory process is progressing. In this case, one end of the clot is attached to the venous wall, and the other is located directly in the lumen of the vessel. In this case, it is customary to say that the thrombus has an unstable state. Its growth in this situation is directed up. It is worth noting that even under weak influence, the clot can come off. This threatens the occurrence of thromboembolism - a disease that often leads to death.
In order to prevent the development of dangerous complications, it is necessary to contact a phlebologist when the first alarming signs appear.
Etiology
As mentioned above, superficial vein thrombophlebitis is a multifactorial disease. It develops with a combination of the following adverse conditions:
- Injury to the vessel wall. Superficial veins are prone to various kinds of damage. Even a minor injury can lead to thrombophlebitis. Most often, cuts, bruises and improperly performed medical manipulations act as provoking factors.
- Decreased blood circulation. Most often, this condition is the result of prolonged immobilization of a person. For example, he suffers from a serious illness, and he needs to strictly observe bed rest. Heart failure also often leads to a decrease in blood flow velocity.
- Change in the composition and properties of fluid connective tissue. Very often this happens with diabetes. In addition, blood thickens when the body is dehydrated, for example during vomiting or diarrhea.
Also, the following diseases and conditions can become the causes of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins:
- Extensive injuries.
- Past surgery.
- Pathology of infectious etiology.
- Hypersensitivity to allergens.
- Malignant neoplasms.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Overweight.
- Violation of the technique of performing medical manipulations.
In addition, symptoms of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins often appear in women during pregnancy and after its artificial interruption.
Forms of the disease
Depending on the etiological factors, the disease can be of a different nature:
- Infectious. In this case, thrombophlebitis can be associated with purulent inflammation or be a complication of infectious pathologies. The disease can also occur after childbirth or surgery.
- Non-infectious. In this case, the pathology can be post-traumatic or migratory. Thrombophlebitis is often a complication of diseases of the cardiovascular system or varicose veins.
Doctors say that without treatment, any form of thrombophlebitis can lead to the involvement of nerve fibers, the lymphatic system and somatic organs in the inflammatory process. Moreover, there is a risk of a general septic condition.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of the disease and their intensity directly depend on the type of ailment and its severity.
Thrombophlebitis of superficial veins can be:
- Sharp. This stage develops about 2-3 days. Superficial veins with thrombophlebitis swell in the area of localization of a blood clot. The general condition of the patient worsens significantly. Acute thrombophlebitis of superficial veins is accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature.
- Chronic. Symptoms are not as pronounced as in the case of acute thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities. The inflammatory process is sluggish, and, as a rule, it is a complication of varicose veins. If you press a finger on the site of localization of a blood clot, it will increase in size. Painful sensations are pronounced. In addition, the limb swells.
- Purulent. It develops if there is a focus of infection on the skin. The pathological process is accompanied by signs of intoxication, in particular high body temperature.
- Non-purulent. A provoking factor in this case is a violation of the movement of blood flow. As a rule, this condition is a consequence of thickening of fluid connective tissue. The general well-being of a person is satisfactory, but reddish stripes are noticeable on the skin, when touched, painful sensations appear. Non-purulent thrombophlebitis passes independently or goes into a chronic form.
It is important to be able to recognize the disease on time. To do this, you need to understand well how thrombophlebitis differs from varicose veins.
The first symptom is always a sharp pain in the thigh or lower leg. Thrombophlebitis of superficial veins is also accompanied by edema and redness. Moreover, a person has bags under his eyes. The vein swells violently, any attempts to touch the skin above it cause severe pain. At such moments, body temperature rises to 39 degrees and above.
Varicose veins are painless on palpation, and there is no redness on the skin above them. An increase in body temperature also does not occur. If you lift your legs, the tension quickly subsides.
Regardless of the severity of the symptoms of thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities, it is impossible to delay the treatment of the disease. It is important to remember that ignoring alarm signs can be fatal.
Diagnostics
It is not difficult to detect pathology. A phlebologist can make a diagnosis already at the stage of a physical examination and collection of medical history data.
In order to confirm it, a color duplex ultrasound is assigned. During the study, the doctor gets the opportunity to find out the exact location of the thrombus, as well as assess the likelihood of its separation.
Additionally, a phlebologist can prescribe:
- Reovasography. Using this method, you can carefully study the blood circulation process.
- CT, MRI.
- Venography. This is an X-ray diagnostic method, which implies the introduction of a contrast agent into the patient's body.
Based on the results of the examination, the doctor draws up the most effective treatment regimen for superficial vein thrombophlebitis.
Conservative Therapies
If the vessel is inflamed in the lower leg, there is no need for hospitalization. However, in the presence of ascending thrombophlebitis of superficial veins, when clots can be localized in the hip zone, treatment is carried out in a hospital.
The goals of therapeutic measures:
- Prevention of the transition of the inflammatory process to deep veins.
- Prevention of the development of various complications.
- Stopping the inflammatory process.
- The prevention of blood clots.
If there is a suspicion of embolism, the patient is prescribed bed rest. Failure to do so can cost a sick person life. In all cases, the intensity of physical activity should be reduced to a minimum.
The classic treatment regimen for thrombophlebitis is as follows:
- Elastic bandage or wearing compression underwear. The choice is made by the doctor on the basis of anamnesis and diagnostic results.
- Intravenous administration of anticoagulants in the first 7 days. These drugs contribute to the thinning of liquid connective tissue, which, in turn, prevents thrombosis. The most commonly prescribed is Enoxaparin. After 7 days, there is a transition to oral administration of anticoagulants (Aspirin Cardio).
- Reception phlebotics. Designed to stop the inflammatory process. As a rule, doctors prescribe Troxerutin. To eliminate inflammation, NSAIDs are also prescribed (for example, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).
- Topical use of heparin-based products. Ointments for thrombophlebitis of superficial veins help eliminate painful and other uncomfortable sensations. Most often, doctors prescribe Heparin.
- Reception of funds that contribute to the elimination of edema. Example: Wobenzym.
- Topical use of propolis-based products. Against the background of their use, pain disappears and pathogenic microorganisms die.
Additionally, the doctor may prescribe a course of physiotherapy procedures. The most effective are the following: ultraviolet radiation, electrophoresis, infrared radiation, magnetotherapy, laser therapy and barotherapy.
Surgical treatment
With the ineffectiveness of conservative methods, the doctor prescribes surgery.
Currently, the following methods are used in practice:
- Bandaging the affected vessels. The purpose of the operation is to stop the process of discharging blood into the superficial veins from deeply located. Intervention is performed under local anesthesia.
- Venectomy During the operation, the surgeon makes several cuts of the skin. Through the holes formed, the doctor with the help of hooks removes a pathologically altered vessel.
- Excision of thrombosed nodes.
After the operation, it is necessary to temporarily reduce the intensity of physical activity to a minimum. In addition, it is recommended to follow a diet that involves frequent consumption of fiber-rich foods. In addition, the diet must include: ginger root, hawthorn fruit, garlic, valerian root, capsicum.
If all the recommendations of the doctor are observed, you can count on the fact that full recovery will come in 2-3 weeks.
Forecast
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of going to the doctor. If you make an appointment with a phlebologist immediately after the first alarming symptoms occur, a number of serious complications can be avoided.
Ignoring the symptoms of the disease leads to the development of the following consequences:
- The abscess.
- Eczema.
- Phlegmon of the lower extremities.
- Lymphadenitis
- Gangrene.
- Sepsis.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Embolism.
It is worth noting that many of these complications pose a danger not only to health, but also to life.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins, the following rules must be observed:
- If daily activity is associated with a prolonged stay of the body in one position, you need to periodically take breaks and warm up.
- At any convenient opportunity to give an elevated position to the lower extremities.
- Take long walks daily.
- In obesity, adjust the diet in order to reduce body weight.
- Do morning exercises daily.
- Observe hygiene.
In addition, with the appearance of signs of varicose veins, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist. Timely treatment of the disease will avoid the development of thrombophlebitis.
Finally
Pathology is multifactorial in nature. The course of thrombophlebitis is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of an inflammatory process in the venous wall and the formation of a blood clot. If alarming symptoms occur, consult a phlebologist as soon as possible. The doctor will draw up a referral for examination, based on the results of which will be an effective treatment regimen.