Table of contents:
- Symptoms deep vein thrombosis
- Why is the symptom deep vein thrombosis should not be ignored?
- First aid when experiencing symptoms deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more veins. Deep vein thrombosis has distinctive symptoms, namely a purplish red color on the skin due to a blood clot underneath.
Blood clots usually form in the thigh or calf. The risk of this disease increases in people who rarely move for a long time, for example as a result of accidents, postoperative recovery, or other medical conditions.
Symptoms deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis does not always cause symptoms so difficult to detect quickly. However, in general, the following are signs that you need to be aware of:
- Pain, swelling, and pain when pressed on one leg (especially the calf)
- Pain that is more severe in the area where the blood clot has formed
- Pain when bending your legs
- The skin appears reddish, especially on the back of the leg below the knee
- The skin feels warm in the area where the blood clot has formed
- Cramps in the legs starting from the calves
- Bluish or pale color in certain areas of the feet
Not everyone experiences these symptoms. Some people experience only one or two symptoms and are mistaken for it deep vein thrombosis as skin infections such as cellulitis.
Nor can your doctor rely on your symptoms to make a diagnosis deep vein thrombosis. It takes a series of further tests to make a diagnosis.
Some tests may include the Homan technique by pulling the toes toward the patient's body. You can also use the Pratt technique by massaging the calf to produce pain.
Why is the symptom deep vein thrombosis should not be ignored?
Deep vein thrombosis which is not handled properly can cause various complications.
These complications include inflammation of the veins or phlebitis, as well as the formation of open wounds due to obstructed blood circulation.
Much more dangerous complications also lurk if the blood clot travels from the veins to the respiratory system. The reason is, blood clots can block the arteries leading to the lungs and their branches.
This condition is known as pulmonary embolism. It's estimated that as many as 1 in 10 people don't take their symptoms seriously deep vein thrombosis experiencing this complication.
Because of that complication, the symptom deep vein thrombosis should not be ignored. You also need to watch out for symptoms of pulmonary embolism such as:
- Difficulty breathing, whether it comes on slowly or suddenly
- Chest pain that gets worse when you inhale or cough
- The head feels dizzy or lightheaded
- Heart rate accelerates
- Coughing up blood
First aid when experiencing symptoms deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a condition that needs to be treated appropriately.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience pain and swelling in your legs accompanied by respiratory problems and chest pain.
Diseases caused by blood clots are generally treated with drugs that function to thin the blood. Treatment will last for at least 3 months, depending on your condition and the cause of the blood clot.
You can optimize treatment results by preventing the disease from recurring. Live a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a balanced nutritious diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
