The term "thrombophlebitis of superficial veins" refers to a pathological condition in which an inflammatory process develops in the walls of blood vessels. At the same time, a blood clot is formed that clogs the lumen of the veins. The disease can either be independent in nature or be a sign of progression in the body of another disease. If the first alarming symptoms occur, it is necessary to contact a phlebologist as soon as possible. The specialist will issue a referral for complex diagnostics and, based on the results obtained, will draw up a treatment regimen for thrombophlebitis of superficial veins. It may include both conservative and operative techniques.
Pathogenesis
Thrombophlebitis of both deep and superficial veins is always the result of dysfunction of several systems. In other words, the disease is multifactorial.
Most often the root causeis 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 mechanism of the development of the disease is based on 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 the superficial veins, a bacterial infection is attached. In this case, it is customary to say that the process is purulent.
There are two options for the development of the disease:
- Favorable current. Thrombogenesis stops, inflammation subsides. Subsequently, the patency of the corresponding vessel is restored. This can happen on its own or after therapy. However, it is impossible to speak about the disappearance of the disease in this case, because damage to the valvular apparatus is always observed, and subsequently this aggravates 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 upwards. It is worth noting that even under weak influence, the clot can come off. This threatens with the occurrence of thromboembolism - a disease that often leads to death.
To notto allow the development of dangerous complications, it is necessary to contact a phlebologist when the first warning signs appear.
Etiology
As mentioned above, superficial vein thrombophlebitis is a multifactorial disease. It develops with a combination of the following unfavorable conditions:
- Injury to the vessel wall. Superficial veins are prone to various types of damage. Even a minor injury can lead to thrombophlebitis. Most often, cuts, bruises and improperly performed medical manipulations act as provoking factors.
- Decrease in the rate of blood circulation. Most often, this condition is the result of prolonged immobilization of a person. For example, he is ill with a serious illness, and he must strictly observe bed rest. Heart failure also often results in reduced blood flow.
- Change in the composition and properties of liquid connective tissue. This often happens with diabetes. In addition, the blood thickens when the body is dehydrated, such as during vomiting or diarrhea.
Also, the following diseases and conditions can become the causes of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins:
- Major injuries.
- Past surgery.
- Pathologies of infectious etiology.
- Increased sensitivity of the body to allergens.
- Malignant neoplasms.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Excessbody weight.
- Violation of the technique of performing medical manipulations.
In addition, symptoms of thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins often appear in women during pregnancy and after abortion.
Disease forms
Depending on the etiological factors, the disease can be of a different nature:
- Infectious. In this case, thrombophlebitis may 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. Often, thrombophlebitis is a complication of diseases of the cardiovascular system or varicose veins.
Doctors say that without treatment, any form of thrombophlebitis can lead to the fact that nerve fibers, the lymphatic system and somatic organs are involved 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 disease and its severity.
Trombophlebitis of superficial veins can be:
- Sharp. This stage develops for about 2-3 days. Superficial veins with thrombophlebitis swell in the area of localization of the blood clot. The general condition of the patient worsens significantly. Acute thrombophlebitis of superficial veins is accompanied by a significant increase in temperaturebody.
- Chronic. Symptoms are not as pronounced as in the case of acute thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins of the lower extremities. The inflammatory process proceeds sluggishly, and, as a rule, it is a complication of varicose veins. If you press your finger on the area where the blood clot is located, it will increase in size. Painful sensations are pronounced. In addition, the limb is swollen.
- 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. The 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 the liquid 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 resolves on its own or becomes chronic.
It is important to be able to recognize the disease in 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 the superficial veins is also accompanied by swelling and redness. Moreover, a person has bags under his eyes. The vein swells strongly, 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, but on the skinover them there are no reddenings. There is also no increase in body temperature. If you raise your legs, the tension will quickly subside.
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 the warning signs can be fatal.
Diagnosis
Detect pathology is not difficult. A phlebologist can make a diagnosis already at the stage of physical examination and collection of anamnesis data.
In order to confirm it, a color duplex ultrasound is prescribed. During the study, the doctor gets the opportunity to find out the exact location of the thrombus, as well as to assess the likelihood of its detachment.
Additionally, the phlebologist may prescribe:
- Rheovasography. With this method, you can carefully study the process of blood circulation.
- CT, MRI.
- Venography. This is an X-ray diagnostic method that involves 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 thrombophlebitis of superficial veins.
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 the superficial veins, when clots can be localized in the thigh area, treatment is carried out in a hospital.
Goals of therapeuticEvents:
- Prevention of the transition of the inflammatory process to deep veins.
- Preventing the development of all kinds of complications.
- Suppression of the inflammatory process.
- Preventing blood clots.
If there is a suspicion of the development of an embolism, the patient is assigned to bed rest. Failure to do so can cost the patient their 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 bandaging or wearing compression stockings. The choice is made by the doctor based on the history and diagnostic results.
- Intravenous administration of anticoagulants in the first 7 days. These drugs contribute to the thinning of the liquid connective tissue, which, in turn, prevents thrombosis. The most commonly prescribed is Enoxaparin. After 7 days, the transition to oral anticoagulants (Aspirin cardio) is carried out.
- Reception of phlebotics. Designed to stop the inflammatory process. As a rule, doctors prescribe Troxerutin. In order to eliminate inflammation, NSAIDs are also prescribed (for example, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac).
- Topical application of heparin-based products. Ointments for thrombophlebitis of superficial veins help to eliminate painful and other uncomfortable sensations. Most often, doctors prescribe Heparin.
- Taking funds that help eliminate swelling. Example: Wobenzym.
- Topical application of propolis-based products. Against the backdrop of theiruse eliminates pain and kills pathogens.
Additionally, the doctor may prescribe a course of physiotherapy. The most effective are the following: UV, electrophoresis, infrared radiation, magnetotherapy, laser therapy and barotherapy.
Surgical treatment
If conservative methods are ineffective, the doctor prescribes surgery.
Currently, the following methods are used in practice:
- Bandaging of affected vessels. The purpose of the operation is to stop the process of discharge of blood into the superficial veins from deeply located ones. The intervention is performed under local anesthesia.
- Venectomy. During the operation, the surgeon makes several incisions in the skin. Through the holes formed, the doctor removes the pathologically altered vessel using hooks.
- 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 foods rich in fiber. In addition, the diet must include: ginger root, hawthorn fruit, garlic, valerian root, capsicum red pepper.
If you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, you can count on the fact that a full recovery will come in 2-3 weeks.
Forecast
The outcome of the disease directly depends on the timeliness of treatmentdoctor. If you make an appointment with a phlebologist immediately after the onset of the first alarming symptoms, you can avoid a number of serious complications.
Ignoring the signs of illness leads to the development of the following consequences:
- Abscess.
- Eczema.
- Phlegmon of the lower extremities.
- Lymphadenitis.
- Gangrene.
- Sepsis.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Emboli.
It is worth noting that many of these complications pose a danger not only to he alth, but also to life.
Prevention
To prevent the development of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins, the following rules must be observed:
- If daily activities involve staying in one position for a long time, you need to periodically take breaks and warm up.
- Elevate the lower limbs whenever possible.
- Take long walks every day.
- If obese, adjust diet to reduce body weight.
- Do morning exercises every day.
- Keep hygiene.
In addition, if there are signs of varicose veins, you need to contact a phlebologist. Timely treatment of the disease will avoid the development of thrombophlebitis.
In conclusion
Pathology is multifactorial. 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. When anxiety symptoms occur,you can contact a phlebologist as soon as possible. The doctor will issue a referral for an examination, based on the results of which he will draw up an effective treatment regimen.
