Hi yasmin3 and thank you for the question.
After some extensive searching I am quite sure you are refering to
"PHLEBITIS" and not "FLIBITIS", however if the answer below does not
sound like the condition you are trying to find information on, let me
know and I can try again.
I would also like to say that the information I have given below
should not be taken as a substitute for professional advice, which
should seek from your health care provider.
"PHLEBITIS
DEFINITION Phlebitis is a general term used to describe inflammation
of a vein. Very often, the inflammation is accompanied by formation of
a clot (thrombus), which occludes blood flow through the vein. This
condition is known as thrombophlebitis or venous thrombosis (see
figure 16.17). There are two general types of thrombophlebitis: a
superficial condition that is painful but not life-threatening; and
deep thrombophlebitis, a potentially serious condition involving an
interior blood vessel. About 300,000 Americans are hospitalized each
year because of deep thrombophlebitis, the major danger being that a
portion of the clot will break away and travel through the venous
system to the lungs, forming a pulmonary embolism. If one of the large
pulmonary vessels is blocked, death may result.
CAUSE
Phlebitis is usually caused by an infection or injury. Superficial
phlebitis is most likely to develop in people with varicose veins,
patients who are bedridden, or in pregnant women.
DIAGNOSIS
There may be obvious swelling and a red streak along the involved
vein; there also may be heaviness and pain in the leg. The discomfort
is usually eased when the leg is elevated and worsened when it is
lowered.
Deep thrombophlebitis is more likely to cause pain, tenderness, and
swelling of the entire limb. Unfortunately, deep thrombophlebitis may
occur without producing symptoms until a pulmonary embolism signals
its presence.
If your doctor suspects deep thrombophlebitis, he or she may recommend
a Doppler ultrasound test to determine if a clot exists and to confirm
its location.
TREATMENT
Deep thrombophlebitis is usually treated with anticoagulant drugs to
reduce the formation of clots and to permit the clots that already
have formed to dissolve. Bed rest with the leg elevated may be
necessary. Anticoagulant drugs may be prescribed for up to several
months to prevent recurrence. If these drugs are used for long-term
treatment, patients are cautioned not to take any other medication,
especially aspirin, that may interact with them. People on
anticoagulants should have periodic blood tests and also should be
alert for any signs of abnormal bleeding, such as bloody or tarry
stools, blood in the urine, or excessive bleeding of the gums or small
cuts.
HOME REMEDIES AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
A doctor must be consulted if phlebitis is suspected. Superficial
thrombophlebitis is generally treated at home with periods of rest
with the leg elevated, analgesics such as aspirin (which should not be
taken for deep thrombophlebitis, figure 16.17) or some other
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin, and, if
needed, antibiotics. Warm compresses may ease the inflammation, and
elastic stockings or bandages may be recommended to reduce the
swelling. Itching may be relieved with a nonprescription ointment
containing zinc oxide.
PREVENTION
People susceptible to phlebitis (or any other circulatory or
cardiovascular problem) should not smoke since this promotes clot
formation. Moderate physical activity is recommended to maintain
muscle tone and promote circulation.
MALE/FEMALE DIFFERENCES
Phlebitis is not sex-related, but superficial phlebitis often occurs
in women during pregnancy"
http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/hmg16_0007.html
There is alot of information on the web about Phlebitis, and now I
have found the correct spelling, getting further information shouldnīt
be a problem for you, but donīt forget, talk to your doctor or health
care provider about this condition for professional advice.
To find more information regarding Phlebitis on the internet, click on
this link:
://www.google.com/search?hl=pt&ie=ISO-8859-1&as_qdr=all&q=+%22phlebitis+is%22&btnG=Pesquisa+Google&lr=
And if you need any clarification of my answer do not hesitate to ask.
Very best regards
THX1138
Search Strategy (after determining the correct spelling from a medical
dictionary):
"phlebitis is"
://www.google.com/search?hl=pt&ie=ISO-8859-1&as_qdr=all&q=+%22phlebitis+is%22&btnG=Pesquisa+Google&lr= |
