Overview
Healthcare providers usually diagnose thrombophlebitis in a hospital setting, especially in an emergency room. That’s because thrombophlebitis has close connections to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions like DVT.
Your provider will diagnose thrombophlebitis based on a combination of a physical exam, imaging tests and lab tests. Combining these various methods is important because a physical examination alone is usually not enough to diagnose thrombophlebitis. Several conditions have similar symptoms, some of which are especially dangerous, which makes imaging and lab tests even more useful — if not critical — in preventing serious complications.
What tests will be done to diagnose this condition?
A variety of tests are possible when healthcare professionals investigate the possibility of thrombophlebitis or any related or similar conditions. These include:
- Physical examination. This is when a provider looks for any visible signs of thrombophlebitis, especially swelling or color changes. They will often palpate (feel) the affected area with their hands, which can help them find signs or symptoms that are not easy to see but very easy to feel. They can also listen to your pulses, especially pulses in your lower legs or feet, with a stethoscope.
- Lab tests. Several different lab tests may help in diagnosing thrombophlebitis, including those that analyze your blood’s clotting ability, look for evidence of existing clots or that can find signs of infection.
- Imaging tests. An important way to diagnose thrombophlebitis is to see the clot causing it. Ultrasound, which uses ultra-high-frequency sound waves like sonar, is one of the more common tests with clot-based blockage conditions. Tests that use X-rays (especially with IV substances that can highlight blockages) are also common.
In rare cases, migratory thrombophlebitis (mentioned above) can be a sign of certain types of cancers, especially cancers in your abdomen. That may lead healthcare providers to run tests that look for those kinds of cancers.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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