Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms and Treatments

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Symptoms and Treatments

When blood forms clots in veins deep inside the body, it’s called Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in medical terms. The clot could partially or entirely block the vein, causing them to swell and be visible. These two DVT o symptoms are tagged along with pain, tenderness, and discolored skin in the affected area. The condition may be caused due to no movement after surgery, certain medications, or vein injury, but, thankfully, there are many treatment options for DVT, and we’ve listed them for you here.

Medications
Before opting for complicated treatment options or surgeries, your doctor will prescribe medicines that dissolve the clot, or keep them from breaking off to prevent them from traveling to other parts of the body or even curb the clot size. These medicines, called anticoagulants, may have to be taken in the form of shots or pills over a period. Pregnant women must mention their condition before allowing any of these blood thinners to enter their bodies.

Clot busters for those severe symptoms
If you have large clots with severe pain and swelling or if you’re at the risk of pulmonary embolism or if the blood thinners don’t work for you, the doctors may recommend thrombolytic medicine for you that act as clot busters. They are either administered through an IV line or a catheter placed directly into the vein. This treatment option for DVT dissolves the clot fast enough but puts you at a higher risk of bleeding and even a stroke.

Filters that prevent the movement of clots
When none of the above treatment options for DVT work out for you, the doctor may recommend taking the help of metallic filters that prevent the clot from traveling to other parts of the body while the blood flows as normally as it should through the filters. One of DVT’s fatal conditions is when clots travel to the lungs and lodge themselves there, which could result in intense respiratory issues.

Surgery
This treatment involves getting rid of the clot entirely with surgery. This treatment is only used in severe cases of DVT, such as phlegmasia cerulea dolens.

Compression stockings
With these treatment options of DVT, your doctor may prescribe wearing compression socks to prevent swelling and more clots.

Along with these treatments, try to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating a well-balanced nutritional diet that also watches your weight. One is recommended to stay active, as resting and not getting enough movement can encourage more clots or increase their chances of recurrence. Once you start with your treatment, ensure to make a note of your symptoms, look out for signs of unusual bleeding, take medications as instructed, and follow up with every appointment to keep up with your treatment.