Your body comprises many complex systems and mechanisms that enable your body to function effectively and sustain life. An essential component in our bodies is the blood vessels responsible for transporting blood and nutrients to and from various body parts. An example of an affected vessel is the vein. The veins can be involved in multiple ways leading to various illnesses. Atur Kasha DO is a certified physician with expertise in dealing with problems of your veins. Some of these issues and their solutions are discussed below.
What is a Vein disease?
This occurs when the valves in the veins that keep blood flowing in the right direction stop working correctly. This may result in blood pooling in the veins, which can stretch the veins and cause them to bulge. Vein disease can also cause inflammation and pain.
There are two main types of vein disease. They include:
Superficial vein disease
This is the more common type and usually doesn’t cause serious problems. DVT is a more severe condition that can lead to a blood clot. Superficial vein disease usually affects the veins just under the skin, such as the veins in your legs.
The most common symptom is a varicose vein, a large, bulging vein that’s usually blue or dark purple. Varicose veins are painful, especially when standing for long periods. They can also itch, burn, or feel like they’re throbbing.
If you have superficial vein disease, you may also have spider veins. These tiny, red, purple or blue veins look like a spider web. They can be found on the skin’s surface or just under the skin. Spider veins are usually not painful but can be itchy or uncomfortable.
Deep vein thrombosis
This more severe vein disease can lead to a blood clot. DVT usually occurs in the deep veins, such as the veins in your legs.
A typical symptom is swelling in the affected leg. DVT can also cause pain, redness, warmth, and tenderness. If your blood clot breaks off, it can move to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
Treatment
Superficial vein disease can often be treated with lifestyle changes, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing and raising your legs when lying down. If these changes don’t help, your doctor may recommend a procedure to close off the affected veins. This can be done with lasers, radiofrequency ablation, or sclerotherapy.
DVT is a more severe condition that requires medical treatment. Your doctor can give you blood-thinning medications, such as heparin or warfarin, to prevent the clot from getting more significant. You may also need to take these medications for several months. If the blood clot is extensive or you have a history of DVT, you may need a filter placed in your veins to catch any clots that break loose. Surgery can also be needed to remove the clot.
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that requires emergency treatment. You will likely be given medications to dissolve the clot and prevent new clots from forming. You may also need to be hospitalized to be monitored closely.
Many issues involving your veins affect your heart in one way or another making them potentially life-threatening. This means these issues need to be attended to as soon as possible. For inquiries into vein treatments, call our offices in El Paso, TX, or visit our website.
