Phlebitis

Overview
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs. When phlebitis is associated with the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), usually in the deep veins of the legs, the condition is called thrombophlebitis.

Differential diagnosis of underlying causes

 * Bacterial: Pathogenic organisms can gain access and stimulate inflammation.
 * Chemical: caused by irritating or vesicant solutions.
 * Mechanical: physical trauma from the skin puncture and movement of the cannula into the vein during insertion; any subsequent manipulation and movement of the cannula; clotting; or excessively large cannula.
 * Medications including Celebrex, antidepressants, and others.
 * Lupus
 * Genetic as it is known to run in families.

Signs and Symptoms

 * Redness (erythema) and warmth with a temperature elevation of a degree or more above the baseline
 * Pain or burning along the length of the vein
 * Swelling (edema)
 * Vein being hard, and cordlike

Treatment

 * Antibiotics if there is evidence of a cellulitis
 * Elevation
 * If occurring due to an intravenous infusion line, then slowed infusion rate