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Symptoms of phlebitis (blood clot)
Superficial phlebitis
- The affected vein is red, hot and forms a hard “cord”. This inflammation can spread to the surrounding skin area. The vein is often visible since it is a surface vein;
- The affected area of the vein is painful or tender to the touch. The affected vein may remain painful for several months;
- Sometimes the affected area swells slightly (local edema).
Deep phlebitis
The symptoms depend on the importance of inflammatory reaction and the size of the clot. Sometimes there are no symptoms, which makes the disease all the more dangerous. However, in 1 in 2 people, the following signs may be seen in the affected leg:
- A dull pain in the calf or thigh. It can also be numbness or cramps;
- A feeling of warmth;
- Swelling (edema) of the calf or ankle, or even the entire leg. The skin is shiny and hard, white or bluish;
- Pain when raising the tip of the foot upwards, towards oneself (Homans sign);
- A slight fever (38 ° C).
In the presence of these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible since the risk ofpulmonary embolism is high. Pulmonary embolism can be recognized by sudden shortness of breath, chest pain and sometimes coughing up blood. Loss of consciousness can occur. Unfortunately, it happens that pulmonary embolism occurs without any sign of phlebitis being felt. |