Phlebitis (cont.)

Medical Author:

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

Dr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Phlebitis Symptoms

Superficial phlebitis

• 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 seen as the inflammation follows the path of 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.
  
  
• A low-grade fever may occur.
  
  
• Sometimes phlebitis may occur at the site where a peripheral intravenous (IV) line was started. The surrounding area may be sore and tender along the vein.
  
  
• If an infection is present, symptoms may include redness, fever, pain, swelling, or breakdown of the skin.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis

• This can be similar in presentation to superficial phlebitis, but some people may have no symptoms.
  
  
• The classic signs and symptoms include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the leg.
  
  
• One may have pain and swelling throughout the entire limb. For example, one side of the lower leg may swell for no apparent reason.