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DESCRIPTION
A group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the veins and formation of blood clots (thrombus).
Superficial thrombophlebitis or phlebitis is inflammation of the wall of the vein located close to the skin surface (superficial). It may be accompanied by blood clot formation and may be uncomfortable, but not dangerous.
Phlebothrombosis involves blood clot formation without the vein inflammation.
Deep vein thrombosis involves formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of calves, legs or pelvis. If part of the blood clot breaks away (an embolus) and passes into the bloodstream, it may cause damage elsewhere in the body.
Pulmonary embolism occurs when an embolus reaches the lungs and blocks an artery. This can be life-threatening.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Sometimes no symptoms are present.
Swollen, warm and deeply tender calf or leg.
Redness in the affected area.
Weakness, fever, chills, severe pain (as with an infection).
Swollen lymph glands.
CAUSES
The disorders develop as a result of changes in the venous blood flow (it becomes sluggish) due to infection, damage, or increased coagulability (blood clotting) of the blood. Thromboembolic disease can be a serious complication of surgery.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Overweight.
Pregnancy (during and immediately following delivery).
Polycythemia (increase in red blood cells).
Immobility in bedridden or elderly persons.
Oral contraceptive use (with high doses).
Long airplane flights or automobile trips.
Systemic disease, including heart problems and cancer.
Intravenous drug use.
Following surgical procedures.
Injury to a vein, such as following an injection.
Complications of varicose veins.
Cigarette smoking.
Certain autoimmune and congenital conditions, which lead to blood vessel injuries and clot formation.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Identification of high risk persons and taking preventive steps such as starting anticoagulant medication.
A quick return to mobility after an operation or childbirth.
Walking for brief, but regular periods during long trips.
Avoiding risk factors where possible.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
With adequate treatment, expect to return to normal health and activity within 3 to 6 weeks. The prognosis is good once the risk of pulmonary embolism has passed.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
The problem may recur or become chronic.
Varicose veins.
Pulmonary embolism that may be fatal.
Excessive bleeding due to anticoagulant medications.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include ultrasound studies (to measure blood flow), plethysmography (to estimate the blood flow in vessels) or venography (dye is injected into the veins and x-rays taken).
For thrombophlebitis, the treatment usually consists of rest with the legs slightly elevated. Compression (support) stockings, warm moist soaks and medications may be recommended also. Complications are unlikely.
With deep vein thrombosis, hospitalization is generally necessary for intravenous medication; other treatment steps involve bed rest and/or compression stockings. Outpatient care may be permitted in some cases.
Pregnant women with deep vein thrombosis will continue with coagulant treatment following delivery (until symptoms subside, which may be 6 to 12 weeks). Medication may be administered through an implanted intravenous catheter.
If a clot is life-threatening, surgical removal may be required. Surgery may also be necessary to place a filter in the large vein (vena cava) going to the lungs to prevent pulmonary embolism.
MEDICATION
An anticoagulant (heparin) to reduce blood clotting time is usually started intravenously; then may be changed to an oral type of anticoagulant (warfarin) for maintenance. Intravenous anticoagulation is used during pregnancy, as oral anticoagulation is associated with birth defects. Anticoagulant level must be monitored to keep dosage in a safe range.
Pain medication as needed.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (except in pregnancy) to help prevent blood clot formation.
Discontinue oral contraceptives. Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be continued (studies show the amount of estrogen used in HRT is not usually a risk factor for thrombosis).
ACTIVITY
Rest and restricted activities are necessary until healing is complete. While resting, make it a habit to move leg muscles, bend ankles and wiggle toes.
DIET
No special diet after treatment unless overweight is a problem. If so, a weight loss diet is recommended (except in pregnancy where a nutritional pregnancy diet should be followed with adequate calories, protein and sodium intake).
BENEFICIAL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Vitamin K protects the heart. Vitamin K is found in dark green leafy vegetables. Alfalfa is an excellent source of vitamin K.
Ginger may help keep the blood from clotting.
Tumeric prevents buildup on the walls of injured blood vessels.
Grape Seed Extract helps maintain capillary health.
PlasminPlus Thrombolytic, 250 mg, 36 Caps
PlasminPlus Thrombolytic is a dietary supplement for those who have the need to improve their blood circulation, especially those who suffer from cardiovascular difficulties, both acute and chronic, such as : Cerebral thrombus - Cerebral embolism - Pulmonary embolism - Angitis - Myocardial infarction - Hyperplasminemia - Platelet Hypercoagulability - Deep Vein Thrombosis - Traveler's Thrombosis - Blood Clots - Tendency to develop thrombus. PlasminPlus Thrombolytic is all natural, nontoxic and good for long term use without any side effect. It helps maintain a healthy balance between hemolysis and hemostasis, improves micro circulation, repairs damaged nerve cells and helps reduce blood sugar. Plasmin Plus provides many trace elements and vitamins needed by the human body. PlasminPlus Thrombolytic is used extensively and with great success in China. In China it is used for stroke victims that have suffered paralysis or brain damage, blood clots in the legs and brain, poor circulation, clogged arteries, and to help prevent thrombosis associated with airline travel.Grape Seed Extract, 350 mg, 90 Caps
Grape seed extract is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and tocopherols as well as being a powerful antioxidant. Grape seeds contain a mixture of compounds called bioflavonoids, also found in other fruits and vegetables in lesser concentrations. These exhibit powerful antioxidant properties that are superior to other known antioxidants like vitamins C, E or antioxidants like CoQ10. Grape seed extract contains OPC's perhaps the most powerful natural antioxidant free-radical scavenger known.Maitake Mushroom, Certified Organic, 4 oz. dry weight
The Maitake Mushroom is not only the medicinal mushroom that leads as an anti-cancer agent specializing in breast and prostate cancers, but is also renown for it's ability to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation, and blood clots.Turmeric Capsules, 510 mg, 120 Vcaps
Turmeric is an unusually healthful spice. Curcumin, turmeric's active constituent, protects against free radical damage because it is a strong antioxidant. It also reduces inflammation by lowering histamine levels and possibly by increasing production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. It also protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds. It also has been shown to prevent platelets from clumping together, which in turn improves circulation and helps protect against atherosclerosis.Ginger Root, Nature's Way, 550 mg, 180 Caps
Ginger root is especially useful for bowel disorders including indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness and nausea. Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) is an aromatic bitter herb that eases the discomfort associated with travel and stimulates digestion to promote gastrointestinal comfort.Alive! Whole Food Energizer MultiVitamin & Mineral w/Naturally occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 180 Tabs
Alive! is a Mega Nutrient Whole Food Energizer containing more life-giving nutrients from more sources than any other supplement. Alive! is made to the traditionally high standards of Nature's Way. Only the best ingredients are used such as chelated minerals, "flash glanced" fruits/veggies, and organically grown mushrooms - all laboratory tested for purity and potency. Alive! nutrients are better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands. Alive contains naturally occurring vitamin K along with many other valuable nutrients.Alfalfa, NOW Foods, 650 mg (10 grain), 500 Tabs
Alfalfa is a rich natural source of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and protein which supports a healthy colon. Alfalfa has also been used to treat kidney stones, relieve fluid retention and swelling, and nourish the digestive, skeletal, glandular, and urinary systems.
Note: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. For herbal supplements, HerbalRemedies.com has a selection of capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. See links below.
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis.
Despite treatment, there is increased swelling, redness or pain in the affected area.
Any unexpected bleeding occurs, or you develop chest pain or shortness of breath.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Thrombophlebitis
