Phlebitis

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. These clots can travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolisms which can be fatal.

Etiology

Vasculitis: (e.g. Lupus)

• 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, Olanzepine, antidepressants, and others.
• Genetic as it is known to run in families.
• Alcohol abuse

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
• If occurring due to an intravenous infusion line, then slowed infusion rate

Massage

This condition is considered a contraindication, therefore no massage should be conducted as the nature of massage manipulations risks breaking loose a clot which could then travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart or the brain.