The German Society for Phlebology said that the blood veins in the arm can become inflamed after a hospital stay, when an intravenous catheter is installed in the arm, as the catheter may cause mechanical irritation or injury that leads to inflammation of the blood veins close to the surface of the skin. .
The association explained that the symptoms of inflammation of the arm veins include feeling pain in the area surrounding the inflamed vein, with the possibility of feeling pressure in this area, and the inflamed area is also exposed to redness, heat, and swelling.
In addition, an inflamed vein in the arm often appears as a hardened or thickened cord under the skin.
Serious complications
The association warned that inflammation of the arm veins may take a severe course and lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis or blood poisoning (sepsis), which threatens life.
To avoid these serious risks, a doctor should be consulted as soon as symptoms indicating inflammation of the arm veins are noticed, in order to undergo timely treatment, which includes analgesics such as diclofenac or ibuprofen, while raising the arm while sitting or lying down, as this works to return blood to the arm. Heart, which helps relieve swelling.
Cold compresses and compression bandages
Cooling with cold compresses also reduces pain. Compression bandages may also be worn. Some cases may require taking blood thinning medications.
If there is a bacterial infection in the arm, antibiotics are used. In rare cases, it may be necessary to tie or surgically remove the vein in the arm affected by phlebitis.
