Understanding Vein Inflammation: DVT and Thrombophlebitis

When deep veins and superficial veins become inflamed, there are different outcomes. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when veins that are deep in a muscle become affected and inflamed. A superficial thrombophlebitis is when the veins that are closer to the surface (superficial) become red, swollen and develop blood clots.

Veins and Muscles

• Deep veins generally have the help of muscles that squeeze the vein and push blood up to the heart. Superficial veins are not surrounded by muscles, so the blood moves slowly and clots can remain in place.

Clots

• When a vein is injured, a thrombus or clot can form as well as inflammation. The clot sticks to the side of the vein, which blocks the flow of blood. An individual is more apt to acquire phlebitis in veins where the blood flows slowly.

Phlebitis

• When inflammation occurs in the veins it is referred to as phlebitis, which is the result of damaged veins, poor circulation of the blood or the use of intravenous catheters or medications, notes Medbroadcast.com. Phlebitis or inflamed veins can also occur if a person has pancreatic, ovarian or breast cancer or a connective tissue problem.

Identification

• When a vein becomes inflamed, it is painful. The vein becomes swollen, warm, red and feels hard.

Danger

• The danger of a DVT is that a blood clot can break from the vein and move to the lungs, blocking blood flow to the lungs and resulting in a pulmonary embolus.