What is the difference between thrombophlebitis and phlebitis

Pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Short answer; it's nearly impossible to know based simply upon the appearance of your leg. The safest strategy is to seek expedited ultrasound evaluation. A venous ultrasound will allow any areas of localized phlebitis or DVT to be visualized. Once the diagnosis is confirmed an appropriate treatment recommendation can be made.

If you have DVT then you'll likely need to go on a blood thinner unless there is a compelling contraindication. If you have phlebitis you or may not need to be treated with a blood thinner.

Phlebitis is a condition that's typically managed by vein specialists. A vein specialist is a physician who has dedicated his or her career to the management and treatment of vein problems.

There are various types of physicians who work as vein specialists. Surgeons who sub-specialize in vascular disease are known as vascular surgeons. It's generally accepted that vascular surgeons are experts in the diagnosis and management of vein problems. At Vascular Solutions, we pride ourselves on being the best vein specialists in Charlotte and the Carolinas. We hope that you have found this information beneficial.

If you think you have phlebitis or DVT you should schedule an appointment today. Does your family member have a wound around the ankle that has been there for a while and doesn't appear to be healing?

If so you may be interested in knowing that vein problems are one of the most common causes of skin wounds around the ankles.

Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary. Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger blood vessels deep in the legs.

Large blood clots can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs. This is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of phlebitis and blood clot symptoms can affect the leg or arm with the inflamed vein.

They may include redness, swelling, tenderness, discoloration on your arm or leg, and a rope-like structure you can feel through your skin. 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 visible 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.

Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary embolism PE occurs when a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Papadakis MA, et al. Thrombophlebitis, superficial venous. McGraw Hill; Accessed Sept.

Papadakis MA, et al. Superficial venous thrombophlebitis. Knoop KJ, et al. In: The Atlas of Emergency Medicine. Scovell S. Superficial vein thrombosis and phlebitis of the lower extremity veins. Brunicardi FC, et al. Venous and lymphatic disease. In: Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. McGraw-Hill Education;