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 that can be fatal.
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 cord-like
- If occurring due to an intravenous infusion line, then decrease the infusion rate