Treatment of phlebitis
The first step in post-infusion phlebitis is to remove the venous catheter. The punctured area should not be used for infusions until it has healed. The second step is to cool the site.
For this purpose, alcohol or lavanide dressings can be used, for example, which not only cool but also have a disinfecting effect. Local painkillers in the form of ointments can be used against the pain. However, if the pain is very strong, these can also be taken as tablets.
Normal painkillers such as diclofenac or ibuprofen are suitable for this. In case of a bacterial infection, antibiotic therapy should be used. In most cases, skin germs are the causative agents of the inflammation, so that broad-spectrum antibiotics cover them.
However, if the inflammation does not heal, the pathogen may need to be detected. If there are signs of phlebitis, a presentation to the doctor is necessary, as the difference between inflammation of the superficial or deep veins must be determined. There are a number of home remedies that can be used for phlebitis.
However, it is best to consult with the doctor before using any household remedies. Both alcohol dressings and vinegar dressings have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect and can be prepared at home. Another popular remedy is curd cheese bandages, but these only have a cooling effect. It is important to keep the area clean and cold.
Duration of phlebitis
The duration of a phlebitis can vary from person to person. The decisive factor is the removal of the indwelling venous catheter that causes the inflammation. If therapy is started quickly, the inflammation should heal within a few days to a week. If the inflammation spreads and fever is added, antibiotic therapy must be carried out. The duration can thus be extended by a few days.Overall, however, phlebitis has a very good prognosis.
Causes of phlebitis
The causes of phlebitis can be many and varied.
- Insufficient disinfection A possible cause may 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 this area.
- Even an indwelling catheter that has been in the vein for too long can become permanently inflamed. If the catheter is painful, it should be changed and care should be taken to ensure that it is placed on a hygienic plaster or bandage.
- Irritant infusion or medication Finally, the cause may be the infusion itself. One possibility is that the infusion has entered the tissue through an incorrect puncture of the vein (paravenous). This can lead to inflammation. Another cause is irritant medication that can attack and inflame the vein wall.
