Phlebitis
Synopsis of Phlebitis
Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs, that may or may not involve a blood clot. When accompanied by clot formation, it is called thrombophlebitis. It can affect superficial veins (close to the skin) or deep veins (a more serious condition known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). Common symptoms include localized pain, redness, swelling, and warmth over the affected vein. Superficial phlebitis is often benign, while DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not treated promptly.
Types:
-
Superficial phlebitis: Affects veins just under the skin, often from IVs or injury
-
Deep vein thrombophlebitis (DVT): Affects deeper veins, usually in the legs
-
Septic phlebitis: Caused by an infection within the vein
-
Migratory phlebitis: Associated with systemic conditions like cancer or autoimmune disease
Common Causes:
-
Injury or trauma to a vein (e.g., IV catheter insertion, varicose veins)
-
Prolonged immobility or sedentary lifestyle
-
Blood disorders causing increased clotting
-
Pregnancy or use of hormone therapy or oral contraceptives
-
Infections or inflammatory conditions
-
Smoking and obesity
Severity Causes:
-
Clot extension into deeper veins (risk of pulmonary embolism)
-
Underlying thrombophilia or autoimmune disease
-
Delayed treatment or lack of movement
-
Presence of infection in the affected vein
When to See a Doctor:
-
Persistent or worsening swelling and pain
-
Redness or warmth that spreads
-
Fever or chills suggesting infection
-
Shortness of breath or chest pain (possible clot travel to lungs)
-
Recurrence or signs of DVT
Natural remedies for Phlebitis
Warm compresses: Applying a warm, moist cloth to the affected area improves circulation, reduces pain, and speeds up healing of superficial phlebitis.
Compression stockings: Graduated compression socks or wraps reduce swelling, promote blood flow, and help prevent clot formation, especially in people with varicose veins or a history of phlebitis.
Elevation of affected limb: Raising the leg above heart level decreases venous pressure and swelling. This is especially helpful after long periods of standing or sitting.
Horse chestnut: Contains aescin, which strengthens blood vessel walls and reduces inflammation and swelling. Used orally or in topical creams for vein health.
Hydration: Drinking adequate fluids supports blood viscosity and circulation, reducing the risk of clot development and helping veins remain healthy.
Regular movement: Walking and leg exercises improve venous return and help prevent blood stasis, especially important after surgery or during long travel.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and mild blood-thinning properties, turmeric can help reduce swelling and support vein health when used consistently.
Ginger tea: Ginger improves circulation and may reduce clot risk due to its natural blood-thinning effects. Can be taken daily in tea or capsule form.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Phlebitis
ajoene
myrobalan
black pepper
butcher's broom
turmeric
endo-peptidase
ginger
gotu kola
grape
horse chestnut
honeysuckle
lovage
magnesium
marshmallow
nattokinase
nattozimes
nettle
spruce
rutin
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
mullein
tangerine
typhonium
swertia
lingusticum wallichii
Alpinia katsumadai
Aerva Lanta
Arisaema erubescens
Ambergris
Ammonium chloride
Aescin
Andrographis
Acetylsalicylic acid
Atractylodes
anthocyanosides
Amor seco
Arisaema
Barberry
Belladonna
Bergenia Pacumbis
Barleria
Blend (Mineral)
Bacillus (mixed)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bicarbonate (mixed)
Blackberry
Borassus aethiopum
Butcher's Broom
Blood vessels
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Chrysanthemum maximum
Coriolus mushroom
Cinquefoil
Citron
Chinese Mallow
Chinese Quince
Chinese Chive
Cassia (unspecified)
Centipeda minima
Cistus
cypress
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Ceylon Spinach
Canadian Goldenrod
Carbon dioxide
Diosmin
Danshen
Diosmin
European Elder
Evodia
English Ivy
Earthworm
Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea (mixed)
Escin
Forsythia
Fern
Fibrinase
Goldenseal
Glycyrrhizinic acid
Hesperidin methylchalcone
Houttynia
Honey loquat syrup
Honeydew
Hesperidin methyl chalcone
Hyaluronidase
Horse Chestnut
Indian Chrysanthemum
Ivy (unspecified)
Japanese Apricot
Ledebouriella (unspecified)
Linden
Licorice
Lophatherum
Lumbrokinase
Lo Han Guo
Large-Leaved Linden
Lovastatin
Leucoanthocyanins
Mimosa pudica
Mucilage
Monolaurin
Marshmallow
Nitrates
Nattokinase
Orris
Orchid tree (unspecified)
Pear
Purslane
Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)
Premna
Pimpinella (unspecified)
Proteolytic Enzymes (Proteases)
Phosphate Salt
Platycodon
Phellodendron Bark
Phyllanthus fraternus
Phyllanthus urinaria
Pine (unspecified)
Rubus (unspecified)
Red Horse Chestnut
Ruscogenin
Rutin
Rutin
Ruscus (unspecified)
Ruscogenins
Rutosides
Sichuan Pagoda Tree
Sanguisorba
Safflower
Streptococcus (mixed)
Slippery Elm
Serratiopeptidase
Sweet Bay
Sweet Clover
Sedanenolide
Sulfate (unspecified)
Troxerutin
Vinburnine
Vitamin K (unspecified)
White Mustard
Xantinol Nicotinate
