Phlebitis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Very visible, cord-like vein that is tender and sensitive to pressure. This cord may develop over several hours to days.
• Redness and warmth surrounding the vein.
• Swelling around the vein.
• A low-grade fever may be seen, however a high fever and drainage that is purulent (pus) indicate infection.
• Call your physician immediately should you develop a fever, shortness of breath (which may indicate that the clot may have traveled to the lung), and severe pain and swelling in the arm or leg.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include the following:

• Physical exam
• X-ray or ultrasound to check for deeper blood clots
• Venogram in which dye or contrast is injected
• In case of recurrent episodes of phlebitis, screening for blood disorders is done.