Phlebitis after an infusion

introduction

Intravenous medication - medication that is given into a vein via an infusion - is very often necessary during an inpatient stay in the hospital. For this purpose, an indwelling venous catheter is placed as a venous access.
During or after an infusion, the punctured vein can become inflamed and so-called phlebitis can develop. In most cases, it is superficial veins that receive a peripheral indwelling catheter so that the infusion can enter the bloodstream. Bacteria can penetrate through the injury to the skin and the vein wall. The infusion, depending on the drug, can also cause irritation or inflammation.

Detecting phlebitis

Symptoms of phlebitis after an infusion

The first symptoms of peripheral vein inflammation after an infusion are pain.
Most of the time, the pain is directly at the injection site or around the venous catheter. The pain can also spread along the vein over time.
There will also be reddening of the area, which may also disperse along the vein and into the surrounding tissue. The inflamed area heats up and can swell. These are the typical symptoms that are characteristic of phlebitis.

But if bacteria also get into the vein, it can also lead to a fever. In this case, the bacteria have entered the bloodstream. Overall, the area is sensitive to the touch, reddish and warm.

More about this topic can be found: Symptoms of phlebitis

Phlebitis pain

An indwelling catheter in the vein, without inflammation, can be painful or disruptive with certain movements. It is not uncommon for the venous catheter to lie against the vein wall and cause pain. However, if the pain persists and reddening or warming occurs, you should ask your doctor about changing the indwelling catheter.
The infusion itself can also be painful, as it can be irritating medication. If after each infusion there is pain and the tissue around the vein becomes thick, the catheter may not be in the vein. Then you should remove it immediately.

For more information on this topic, we recommend our page on: Symptoms of phlebitis

Diagnosis of phlebitis

The diagnosis of phlebitis is in most cases a so-called visual diagnosis. This means that you don't need any major examinations, as you can only make the diagnosis by observing.
If the inflammation should spread and fever, chills or malaise should occur, then a blood test and possibly. To collect blood cultures.
If the indwelling venous catheter was in a central vein, it can also be sent to the laboratory to examine possible bacterial colonization on the catheter.

Also read: These are the symptoms you can tell if you have phlebitis

Treatment of phlebitis

The first step in a phlebitis after an infusion is to remove the venous catheter.
The punctured area should no longer be used for infusions until it has healed. The second step is to cool the area. For this you can use alcohol or Lavanid dressings, for example, which not only cool but also have a disinfectant effect. Local pain relievers in the form of ointments can be used against the pain. But if the pain is very severe, you can also take it as a tablet. Normal pain relievers such as diclofenac or ibuprofen are suitable for this.
In the case of bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy should be carried out. Mostly skin germs are the causative agents of the inflammation, so broad spectrum antibiotics cover them up. However, if the inflammation does not heal, proof of the pathogen may be necessary. If there are signs of phlebitis, it is necessary to see a doctor, as the difference between inflammation of the superficial and deep veins must be determined.

More about this topic can be found: Treatment of phlebitis

Home remedies

There are a number of home remedies that can be used for phlebitis. However, it is best to use home remedies in consultation with your doctor. Both alcohol and vinegar dressings have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect and can be prepared at home. Quark dressings are another popular remedy, but they only have a cooling effect.It is important to keep the area clean and cold.

More about this topic can be found: Home remedies for phlebitis

Duration of a phlebitis

The duration of a phlebitis can vary from person to person. The decisive factor is the removal of the intravenous catheter causing the inflammation. If therapy is started quickly, the inflammation should heal within a few days to a week. If the inflammation spreads and a fever occurs, antibiotic therapy must be given. This can extend the duration by a few days. Overall, however, phlebitis has a very good prognosis.

Further information on this topic can be found at: Duration of a phlebitis

Causes of Phlebitis

The causes of phlebitis can be varied.

• Insufficient disinfection
  One possible cause can be insufficient disinfection of the punctured area. This should first be cleaned with alcoholic skin disinfection to kill bacteria on the skin. If bacteria get into the vein with the needle, they can inflame the area.
• Long service life of the indwelling catheter
  An indwelling catheter that has been in the vein for too long can also become inflamed over time. In the event of pain, this should be changed and a hygienic plaster or bandage should be used.
• Irritant infusion or medication
  Ultimately, the cause can be the infusion itself. One possibility is that the infusion enters the tissue through a wrong puncture of the vein (paravenous). This can lead to inflammation. Another cause is irritating drugs that attack the vein wall and inflame.