Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as blood clot in the leg, DVT.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
DVT is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, causing one-sided swelling and pain. Its danger is that part of the clot can break off and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can kill suddenly. Long immobility, surgery, pregnancy and long journeys raise the risk.
Symptoms
Swelling of one leg
Calf or thigh pain, often like a cramp
Warmth over the affected area
Skin redness or darkening
Visible surface veins
Sudden breathlessness or chest pain if a clot travels to the lungs
Causes & risk factors
Prolonged immobility — long flights, road trips or bed rest
Recent surgery, injury or plaster cast
Pregnancy, recent delivery or hormonal contraceptives
Cancer and inherited clotting tendencies
Obesity and smoking
Treatment & self-care
A suspected DVT needs same-day medical assessment with a scan; confirmed clots are treated with blood-thinning medicines for several months under close supervision. Do not massage the swollen leg, as this can dislodge the clot. On long journeys, move your legs regularly and stay hydrated; high-risk patients may be given preventive measures.
See a doctor urgently if
One leg suddenly swollen, painful or warm — be seen today
Sudden breathlessness or chest pain with leg swelling
Coughing blood
Leg swelling after surgery, childbirth or a long journey
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Early signs often include swelling of one leg, calf or thigh pain, often like a cramp, warmth over the affected area. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) be treated?
A suspected DVT needs same-day medical assessment with a scan; confirmed clots are treated with blood-thinning medicines for several months under close supervision. Do not massage the swollen leg, as this can dislodge the clot. On long journeys, move your legs regularly and stay hydrated; high-risk patients may be given preventive measures.
When should I see a doctor about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: one leg suddenly swollen, painful or warm — be seen today; sudden breathlessness or chest pain with leg swelling; coughing blood; leg swelling after surgery, childbirth or a long journey. These can be signs of an emergency — if severe, go to the nearest emergency room or call 112 or 199.
See an MDCN-verified doctor about deep vein thrombosis (dvt) by video, audio or chat — then order medicine, book a lab test or get a home visit from the same app.