Warning Signs for DVT and Pulmonary Embolism
(Note: These are medical emergencies. If you have these symptoms, call the doctor and come immediately to the emergency department.)
- Chest pain or discomfort. This pain or discomfort usually gets worse when you take a deep breath or when you cough.
- Unexplained sudden onset of shortness of breath (this is the most common symptom).
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting.
- Coughing up blood.
- A sense of anxiety or nervousness.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Thrombophlebitis
What is it?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and thrombophlebitis are conditions that involve inflammation and blood clot formation in the vein, almost always in the legs but which also may occasionally occur in the arms or, even more rarely, in other parts of the body. Thrombophlebitis specifically refers to those which occur in the superficial veins (those closer to the skin surface), while DVT refers to inflammation and blood clots occurring in the deep veins, those farther from the skin surface.
Symptoms
About half of those with DVT have no noticeable symptoms. When signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis do occur, they can include:
- Swelling in the affected legs; this can include swelling in your ankles and feet.
- Pain in your legs; this can include pain in your ankles and feet. This pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or a "charley horse."
- Redness and warmth over the affected area.
- Pain or swelling in your arms or neck. This can occur if a blood clot forms in your arms or neck.
Risk Factors
- Sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving or flying.
- Inheriting a blood-clotting disorder.
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay, or paralysis.
- Injury or surgery.
- Pregnancy.
- Cancer.
- Heart failure.
- Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
- A pacemaker or a thin, flexible tube (catheter) in a central vein.
- A history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- A family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Smoking.
Diagnosis
DVT is diagnosed with an ultrasound scan that reveals the size and location.
Treatment
Treatment may involve application of heat in addition to rest and elevation of the area. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen may be helpful, and antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present. Blood thinning medication can be used to treat DVT. Initially, bed-rest with elevation of the extremity for a few days may be necessary. An elastic bandage or compression stocking may be used to wrap the extremity and may need to be worn for several months.
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