Article: Phlebitis

Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs. Perhaps the most famous sufferer from phlebitis was the late United States president Richard Nixon. The condition was also detailed in The Dharma Bums and other writings by Beat author Jack Kerouac, who suffered from the disease probably brought on by years of benzedrine and alcohol abuse. Famed In Cold Blood writer Truman Capote died of phlebitis. However, most people with the condition, perhaps 80 to 90 percent, are women. The disease may also have a genetic component, as it is known to run in families.

When phlebitis is associated to the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), usually in the deep veins of the legs, the condition is called thrombophlebitis.

This condition can be brought on by some drugs like Celebrex.

Phlebitis in popular culture

• In The Simpsons episode Bart Gets an F, the school nurse believes Bart has phlebitis.
• In All in the Family episode Too Good Edith, Edith has phlebitis.
• Peter Boyle's character on Everybody Loves Raymond suffers from phlebitis. Or at least it is used as an excuse for getting out of undesireable family functions.