What is thrombophlebitis?

Welcome to the world of thrombophlebitis, my dear reader! If you’re looking for a funny take on this painful condition that can potentially turn into something deadly serious (cue dramatic music), you’ve come to the right place. Buckle up and hold your horses ’cause we’re going in!

What is Thrombophlebitis?

Thrombo-what? (Hey, don’t worry if you can’t pronounce it just yet…) Thrombophlebitis is simply inflammation (the “phlebitis” part) due to a blood clot forming in one or more veins near the surface of your skin. It’s like a traffic jam within your veins and as anyone who’s got caught in traffic knows, it ain’t good times.

Superficial versus Deep Vein

Now, not all clots are created equally folks. There are superficial vein thrombosis which occur closer to the top of our skin…think varicose kinda area; and there are deep vein thromobosis where blood clots form deep inside big ol’ veins located within muscles which then become difficult to reach…almost like trying to chase after someone deep into an obscure labyrinthine building without a map…

Deep Vein Matters are Serious Stuff

There is however NO Time To Lose(cue another dramatic music). When these bad boys break off they travel around until they find somewhere small enough that they get stuck – sometimes this means damage limited only by tissue affected by reduced blood flow.However sometimes these dust balls settle themselves in fatal areas leading all sorts scary sounding diseases.

Symptoms

Symptom time!! This might be what brought you here so let us finally dispel some light on this:

Superficial Symptoms

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Pain (often felt like a tiny mouse is nibbling at your skin) Specific areas of pain can be tender to the touch
  • Natural healing times usually 7 -21days

Deep Symptoms

The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may develop slowly, which could lead people to ignore them. Some common symptoms include:

Warning: THIS IS NOT FUNNY ANYMORE!

We apologize for getting so carried away on superficial/skin level thrombo-phlebitis but we now must change gears here, because when it comes to anything deeper and beyond our sight realm….well let us just say that’s where things get serious.

So, back on this more somber note… Most cases in fact do not show any symptoms until the following happens: (any or all)

  1. A blood clot breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream lodging itself in a lung artery (so-called pulmonary embolism).This barrier causes sudden shortness of breath chest pain,dizziness,fatigue.
  2. Blood transfuses into smaller vessels leading damage caused by restricted/no blood flow affecting pains/muscles/skin around affected area
  3. Color changes/Discolorations seen at location where Clog has formed,painful.

Treament Options?

Who wouldn’t want to know their options right ? We gotchu!

Superficial Treatment Options:

If you have superficial thrombophlebitis treatment will include home care measures such as applying heat or cold packs regularly over are affected/taking some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs).

Sometimes treatment involves antibiotic medication if the cause is related case bacterial infection.Thrilling stuff, we know…

Deep Vein Infractions require hospitalization – YIKES!

And then there are veins that run too far ‘deeper’ than they should be… Cue slow background music that grows increasingly ominous….Dun dun DUUUUNN!!!

Deep vein thrombosis treatment depends on the severity of the clot and any other underlying medical conditions. Shocker – Hospital care is all but guaranteed in this case.

I V ADMISSION…YAYYY!!!

Anticoagulants, (we love these things!) commonly called blood thinners, can help stop new clots from forming while antithrombotic agents may be prescribed to prevent existing clots from getting larger or breaking loose(Take that blood cells – pay attention mister “I-Am-Sticking-Wherever-I-Want-To!”
Follow-up testing will indicate if treatments working before discharged

Oh yeah, minor side note: aspirin is not considered a preferred choice here as it’s not effective enough against bigger clogs).

Physical Therapy/CB therapy?! Wut?

Physical therapy would involve leg massage/physical activity which promotes circulation , whilst most patients receiving CB current stimulation showed improved healing times.(Personally we don’t think ‘Cool Beans’ does justice to how exciting this stuff is)

Causes

There are multiple factors contributing to formation of those unwelcome blockades:

  • Injury related trauma
  • Prolonged periods of bed rest(ladies,fellas next time somebody tells you get-in-there-and-relax after an argument have at it!)
  • Long-term catheter use/devices inserted within vessels for something…(Most people didn’t really want to know what they were supposed representing.)
  • Obesity(Sigh)
  • Smoking(Boo-hoo)

One big takeaway though – regardless reasons WHY end result remains same : pain/Trouble with mobility aka no thank you veins.

Prevention Time

So guys,it’s better late than never right? Now that we’ve scared ourselves outta our wits let us see what preventative measures we can take,hmm?

Regardless superficiality level(TEEHEE!) if you’ll be inactive for a long period of time, keep blood flowing through your veins by:

  • Stretching
  • Massaging them lightly
  • Taking frequent walks

In addition to that …

Heed the 10% Rule! And Then Some…

The ‘Ten Percent rule’ is not some urban legend about quality in business,it basically states If you can hold it,you’re holding too much weight.Maintain healthy lifestyle and balanced eating habits(nuts are actually blessed with great nutrients).Also,avoid smoking altogether.And remind folks working at those labourious jobs as they traffic massive amounts of weight around? Keep lifting/carrying within limits.

Because #FunFact – what causes thrombophlebitis isn’t fun but oh so hilariously preventable!

Conclusion

And there we have it folks. From superficial phlebetisis to deep vein thrmbosis.You know all about it. The known cause,the utter treatment choices provided and most importantly… prevention methods (that do not include gargling garlic beer or any other archaic practices).
We hope that this summary was surprisingly hilariuos,informative educational,(you didn’t just think only hilarious right?) So until next time ,stay safe and, most importantly stay informed.

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