From the Guidelines
Inflammation of veins is called phlebitis. This condition occurs when a vein becomes inflamed due to a blood clot (thrombophlebitis) or other irritation, as noted in a study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings 1. Phlebitis commonly affects superficial veins near the skin's surface but can also occur in deeper veins. Symptoms typically include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth
- Swelling along the affected vein Treatment depends on severity but often includes anti-inflammatory medications, elevation of the affected limb, warm compresses, and compression stockings. For thrombophlebitis, blood thinners may be prescribed to prevent clot growth, with fondaparinux (2.5 mg daily) being preferred to LMWH for superficial phlebitis exceeding 5 cm in length, as recommended for 45 days 1. Phlebitis occurs because the vein wall becomes irritated and inflamed, often due to trauma, infection, or prolonged immobility. Deep vein phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis) requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if blood clots break loose and travel to the lungs.
From the Research
Definition of Inflammation of Veins
Types of Phlebitis
- Thrombophlebitis is defined as thrombotic inflammation of a previously healthy superficial vein 2.
- Varicophlebitis is defined as thrombotic inflammation occurring in varicosities 2.
- Peripheral venous catheter-associated phlebitis is caused by inflammation to the vein at a cannula access site 3.
- Superficial venous thrombophlebitis (SVT) is characterized as a localized inflammatory condition of the venous vessels underlying the skin 4.