Is Phlebitis a Dangerous Condition?

Written by Dr. Michael Ryan | December 10, 2021 at 3:00 PM

Phlebitis is a fairly common condition I see in patients that is related to irregular blood flow and often blood clots. Although it is common, phlebitis is only rarely a dangerous or life-threatening condition.

There are some additional points, though, to be aware of if you suspect you have this condition, or if you do have this condition. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of phlebitis. These are the classic signs of inflammation.

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Phlebitis?

Visible red “streaking” on your arm or leg
Swelling
Warmth
Tenderness
Pain - It hurts bad enough that you don't want to walk

In the video below, I go into more detail about what phlebitis is, and in what situations it can present itself as urgent and dangerous:

When is Phlebitis Dangerous?

Phlebitis does not usually result in serious or life-threatening medical complications. Phlebitis is self-limited, which means that it usually goes away on its own. However, if phlebitis is found in a large vein in your leg area, can travel up the thigh, into the deep system, and a DVT, in fact, can develop. This is when phlebitis can be dangerous, as a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can lead to cardiac collapse or a pulmonary embolism. You can see a visual representation of it in the image below.

Phlebitis can also be particularly dangerous, unfortunately, in cancer patients. The medical term for this is migratory thrombophlebitis. Although this is not a common occurrence, it can happen and is something to watch out for. With cancer patients, phlebitis can show up in the arm or leg area, resolve, and then spread to another area again, spontaneously. This is because cancer in one's body causes blood to become sticky, then leading to inflammation and clotting.

What Should I Do If I Have Phlebitis?

If you think you have phlebitis, or if you notice your phlebitis symptoms traveling up your leg and worsening, it is imperative that you seek medical attention by contacting your health care provider. To determine whether you have a DVT, you will need an ultrasound evaluation. If you have a DVT or risky phlebitis in the thigh, you can be put on blood thinners to help get your circulation back to a healthy state and reduce inflammation. If you have phlebitis for no apparent reason (no trauma, inactivity, or travel), your provider may want to evaluate you for a blood clotting disorder.

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