Phlebitis

• Localized redness and swelling
• Pain or burning along the length of the vein
• Vein being hard and cord-like{{cite web |url=http://www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebitis/page3_em.htm |title=Phlebitis Symptoms |author=Benjamin Wedro |publisher=emedicinehealth |access-date=13 May 2013}}

There is usually a slow onset of a tender red area along the superficial veins on the skin. A long, thin red area may be seen as the inflammation follows a superficial vein. This area may feel hard, warm, and tender. The skin around the vein may be itchy and swollen. The area may begin to throb or burn. Symptoms may be worse when the leg is lowered, especially when first getting out of bed in the morning. A low-grade fever may occur. Sometimes phlebitis may occur where a peripheral intravenous line was started. The surrounding area may be sore and tender along the vein.{{Cite web|last=Ratini|first=Melinda|date=30 October 2020|title=Phlebitis Basics|url=https://www.webmd.com/dvt/phlebitis|access-date=2021-01-01|website=WebMD|language=en}}

Phlebitis is typically caused by local trauma to a vein, usually from the insertion of an intravenous catheter.{{cite web|url=http://www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebitis/page2_em.htm#phlebitis_causes|title=Phlebitis Causes |author=Benjamin Wedro|publisher=emedicinehealth |access-date=30 May 2013}} However, it can also occur due to a complication of connective tissue disorders such as lupus, or of pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancers. Phlebitis can also result from certain medications and drugs that irritate the veins, such as desomorphine.{{cite web|url=http://chealth.canoe.ca/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=190|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628064134/http://chealth.canoe.ca/condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=190|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 28, 2013|title=Blood Clots - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis - Canoe.com|website=canoe.ca|access-date=7 April 2018}}

Superficial phlebitis often presents as an early sign in thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), a vasculitis that affects small and medium-sized arteries and veins in distal extremities often associated with cigarette smoking.{{cite web|url=http://www.uptodate.com/contents/superficial-thrombophlebitis-of-the-lower-extremity?source=search_result&search=superficial+nodular+phlebitis&selectedTitle=1~150|title=UpToDate|website=www.uptodate.com|access-date=7 April 2018}}

Treatment usually consists of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and local compression (e.g., by compression stockings or a compress).{{cite web |url=http://www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebitis/page6_em.htm|title=Phlebitis Treatment |author=Benjamin Wedro |publisher=emedicinehealth |access-date=30 May 2013}} If the phlebitis is associated with local bacterial infection, antibiotics may be used.{{cite web |url=http://www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebitis/page7_em.htm|title=Phlebitis Medical Treatment |author=Benjamin Wedro |publisher=emedicinehealth |access-date=30 May 2013}}

For acute infusion superficial thrombophlebitis, not enough evidence exists as of 2015 to determine treatment.{{cite journal|last1=Di Nisio|first1=M|last2=Peinemann|first2=F|last3=Porreca|first3=E|last4=Rutjes|first4=AW|title=Treatment for superficial infusion thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity.|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|date=20 November 2015|volume=11|issue=11|pages=CD011015|pmid=26588711|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD011015.pub2|pmc=6885032|url=http://boris.unibe.ch/77437/1/DiNisio%20CochraneSystRev%202015.pdf}}

• Collapsed vein
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Thrombophlebitis

{{Reflist}}

• Intravenous Infusion Therapy for Nurses (Second Edition) by Dianne L. Josephson ({{ISBN|1-4018-0935-9}})
• John Hunter, "Observations on the Inflammation of the Internal Coats of Veins," Transactions of a Society for the Improvement of Medical and Chirurgical Knowledge, vol. 1 (London: 1793) pp. 18–29

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081120072848/http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/11161-1.asp eMedicine Health: Phlebitis]

{{Medical resources

| ICD10 = {{ICD10|I|80||i|80}}

| ICD9 = {{ICD9|451}}

| ICDO =

| OMIM =

| MedlinePlus =

| eMedicineSubj = emerg

| eMedicineTopic = 581

| eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|emerg|582}} {{eMedicine2|med|3201}}

| MeshID = D010689

}}

{{Vascular diseases}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Inflammations

Category:Vascular diseases