Deep Vein Thrombosis
the latest data, deep vein thrombosis claims more lives each year than breast cancer and AIDS. This disorder develops when a blood clot in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs and thighs. The clot can form a blockage that causes pain and swelling. If this comes to break off and travel through the bloodstream this clot is called an embolism if you get stuck in the lungs, brain, heart or other body parts can cause serious injury.
Both youth and adults can suffer from strokes, especially people who sit for long, frequent air travelers and athletes who are injured frequently.
Among the factors that increase risk are: smoking, bed rest after surgery, after pacemaker implantation or cardiac catheter, pelvic fractures, leg fractures, excessive production of red blood cells, estrogen drugs and obesity.
The general symptoms are swelling or edema in the leg, change in skin color of the leg (red), increase in the heat of one leg, leg pain at the time of supporting body weight on it and excessive sensitivity in the leg.
Diagnostic tests ordered by a physician are the best method to determine whether a patient is suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Among the most common being by Doppler ultrasound, venography, plethysmography and blood tests.
Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
Treatment is given with anticoagulant drugs such as heparin is. These drugs can prevent more clots from forming clots but not undo existing ones. Heparin is given intravenously and its management may require inpatient hospitalization or by daily injections as an outpatient.
The coumadin is prescribed for longer periods, and is administered orally. May be prescribed using special stockings that help new clots will not form.
Very rarely resort to surgery for this disorder, however, invasive procedures may include the placement of a mesh that prevents the blood clot traveling to the lungs, the removal of a clot with thrombolytic drugs or injections.
Many times DVT disappears without any problems, but it can recur. The use of compression stockings can help prevent a recurrence of this problem.