What is the sign and symptoms of phlebitis? Is phlebitis dangerous?
Phlebitis Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein; the term is used almost synonymously with thrombophlebitis. This process occurs most commonly in the large veins of the legs, although the disease can involve veins in the upper extremities and abdomen. Phlebitis can be the result of an injury, slowing of the circulation, or can occur in association with an infection, tumors, or cancers anywhere in the body. A vein functions as the route for the return of blood from a part to the heart. When a vein becomes inflamed,its inner channel is closed off by a clot. The drainage of the body part is impeded and it becomes swollen. A major danger is that the clot can break off and go through to the lung. These emboli can be fatal if a large blood vessel is blocked off by the traveling clot. If the clot is infected, it may introduce abscesses into the lung and other organs. About one in ten individuals with phlebitis can develop complications in the lung. What are the symptoms of leg phle...