Phlebitis
Phlebitis is a disease of venous vessels, in which inflammatory processes develop in the vein wall. The disease can affect absolutely any veins, but it tends to affect the veins of the lower extremities.
Phlebitis can occur as an independent disease, but it is usually a consequence of the aggravation of varicose veins. Phlebitis is also considered as a transitional form from varicose veins to thrombophlebitis and is an intermediate stage between these diseases.
Most often, the disease does not occur in isolation, but with the development of multiple inflammatory sites.
TYPES AND CLASSIFICATION OF PHLEBITIS
The venous wall is a rather complex multi–layered structure. In this regard, the inflammation of the wall may have different localization. Distinguish:
The lesion of the inner lining of the venous vessel is endophlebitis. As a rule, inflammation develops as a result of injury to the vein and introduction of pathogenic flora into the wound. This can happen if the rules of asepsis and antiseptics are violated when performing invasive manipulations by a nurse. Also, the introduction of some medicinal solutions (for example, hypertensive) can lead to inflammation of the inner wall of the vessel.
Lesion of the outer shell of the venous vessel. Most often, such inflammation passes from inflammation of soft tissues when the process deepens inward to the venous wall.
Phlebitis affecting all the membranes of venous vessels is a more severe form of infection, since complications in the form of bleeding, sepsis, etc. develop more often with this form.
There is also a classification according to the etiology of the disease:
Cerebral phlebitis is an inflammation of the venous vessels of the brain. It develops as a result of the progression of certain infections.
Phlebitis of allergic etiology – has a predisposition to chronization of the process. It occurs as a response to the penetration of an allergen into the body.
Migrating phlebitis is a lesion of veins and arteries. Men suffer more often. The course is long with frequent relapses.
Pileflebitis is an inflammation of the veins as a result of infection of the abdominal organs. The collar area is affected.
Painful phlebitis – women suffer after childbirth. Phlebitis is characterized by sharpness and pronounced painful sensations.
SYMPTOMS OF PHLEBITIS
Acute phlebitis always develops suddenly. With a superficial location of inflammation on the skin at the site of inflammation development, characteristic symptoms appear – local hyperemia, edema, the skin over the focus of inflammation becomes stretched, painful on palpation. There may also be traces of the spread of infection along the course of the vessels – red stripes appear on the skin, repeating the position of the vessel.
A general intoxication syndrome often develops, weakness develops, and the overall body temperature rises. With the development of chronic phlebitis, the symptoms may not be so pronounced, the pain syndrome is also less intense. There are periods of remission and exacerbation of symptoms.
When deep veins are affected, swelling is observed on the surface of the skin, milky-white pallor of the skin is noted. Seals and hyperemia cannot be seen.
Phlebitis of the collar vein is accompanied by the development of jaundice, increasing symptoms of purulent intoxication, severe pain syndrome. Since the disease is very serious, with this form the probability of death greatly increases. If acute phlebitis of the collar zone can be stopped, or it turns into a chronic form – after a few years, the patient may develop chronic liver failure.
TREATMENT OF PHLEBITIS
Phlebitis is a rather serious disease. Nevertheless, mostly patients receive comprehensive conservative treatment – under the close supervision of a phlebologist. When the inflammation subsides, in some cases, surgical intervention is possible. Patients with the development of phlebitis of internal organs are necessarily hospitalized.
The affected limb requires rest, an elevated position. Drug therapy includes drugs that improve the trophism of the venous wall, as well as reduce blood viscosity.
The use of physiotherapy procedures is effective. In the future, patients are shown the use of compression underwear.
