Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition when blood clots in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can cause pain and swelling that can be dangerous if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
In most cases, deep vein thrombosis is caused by prolonged immobility, such as sitting for long periods during a long airplane flight or car trip. While deep vein thrombosis can occur without any symptoms, there are some signs to look out for, including leg pain or swelling, warm skin to the touch, and redness or discoloration of the skin. When deep vein thrombosis occurs, it slows down or stops blood flow. This can cause fluid to leak out of the veins and into the tissue, resulting in swelling and pitting edema.
Several different types of medications can be used to treat deep vein thrombosis. The most common type of medication is an anticoagulant, which prevents the clot from getting larger and keeps new clots from forming. Thrombolytics are medications used to treat deep vein thrombosis. They are usually only given in life-threatening situations because they carry a high risk of serious side effects, such as bleeding.
