What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, happens when a blood clot forms inside a deep vein, usually in your legs. Blood clots are like little blocks that can stop blood from moving properly inside the veins in your body. This block is not always fixed to one site. In some cases they can move along with the blood. DVT can be very serious because if the clot moves to the lungs, it can cause a problem called pulmonary embolism, which is very dangerous.
What Causes DVT?
There are a few things that can cause DVT:
1. Not Moving for a Long Time: If you sit or lie down for a long time, like on a long plane ride or after a surgery, your blood might not flow as well, and a clot can form.
2. Injuries or Surgeries: When your body gets hurt or after surgery, it can cause blood to clot. Hip, knee, and major abdominal surgeries are particularly associated with a higher risk.
3. Some Health Problems: Some illnesses like cancer or heart disease can make DVT happen more easily.
4. Changes in Hormones: Medicines that change how your hormones work, like birth control, can sometimes make blood clotting more likely.
5. Being Overweight: If your body is carrying extra weight, it can make it harder for blood to flow smoothly.
6. Getting Older: As we grow older, we are more likely to get DVT.
7. Family History: If someone in your family has had DVT, you might be more likely to get it too.
What Does DVT Feel Like?
Sometimes, DVT doesn’t hurt, but other times, it can make your leg swell, feel sore, or get warm. The skin on your leg might even turn red. If you see these signs, it’s important to see a doctor.
What Happens If DVT Gets Worse?
Usually DVT happens inside the veins of your leg. But as it can move form the leg to other parts of your body. If the blood clot moves from your leg to your lungs, it can cause a very serious problem called pulmonary embolism. When this happens, you might have the following problems:
• Feeling hard to breathe
• Pain in your chest
• Your heart beating fast
• Coughing, sometimes with blood
• Feeling dizzy or faint
This is an emergency, so if you feel like this, you should get help right away!
How Do Doctors Treat DVT?
Doctors can help treat DVT in different ways:
1. Blood Thinners: These are medicines that help stop the blood clot from getting bigger and help prevent new ones from forming.
2. Clot dissolving medications: In more severe cases, clot-busting medications may be used to dissolve large clots, though these medications carry a higher risk of bleeding.
3. Special Stockings: Some people wear special stockings on their legs that help their blood move better.
4. Surgery: In some cases, doctors might have to remove the clot with a small surgery.
How to Stay Safe and Prevent DVT
There are some easy ways to help stop DVT from happening:
1. Move Around: If you’re sitting for a long time, like on a plane or while watching TV, get up, walk around, or stretch every hour.
2. Drink Water: Drinking lots of water helps keep your blood from getting too thick.
3. Wear Special Stockings: If your doctor says so, wear special stockings to help blood flow better in your legs.
4. Stay Healthy: Eating healthy foods, staying active, and not smoking can help keep your blood healthy.
5. Medications: If you’re at a higher risk of DVT, your doctor might give you medicine to help prevent it.
Conclusion
DVT is when a blood clot forms in your legs, and it can be dangerous if it moves to your lungs. But if you move around, drink water, and stay healthy, you can help stop DVT from happening. If you feel pain, swelling, or see any signs of DVT, talk to a doctor right away to stay safe!
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