Blood clots can happen at any age. While they are more common in adults, blood clots such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can also happen in children and teenagers.
In short – there is no “normal age” for people to get a DVT.
How Many Children Experience DVT or Blood Clots?
Overall, nearly 1 in every 10,000 children will develop these conditions. They are more common among those that are hospitalized, as 1 in 200 hospitalized children develop blood clots – but pediatric DVT rates are increasing.
Typically, children and teenagers at the highest risk of DVT have:
- A history of DVT or blood clots
- Genetic thrombophilia (clotting disorders)
- Lower extremity disease
- Reduced mobility
- Taken a birth control method that contains estrogen and other hormones
- Been hospitalized with severe medical conditions requiring a prolonged intensive care unit stay
- May-Thurner syndrome
- Paget-Schroetter syndrome
Symptoms of DVT/Blood Clots in Children and Teenagers
Knowing the likelihood of your child or pediatric patient to develop these conditions is an important step, but recognizing the symptoms as early as possible is crucial!
DVT or blood clots can happen in different parts of the body. In many cases, blood clots in young people will present the following signs and symptoms in the affected area:
- Painful swelling
- Red or discolored skin
- A feeling of warmth
Treating blood clots or DVT is something that cannot wait. If you suspect that your child has a blood clot, you should immediately seek emergency care, contact their doctor or Inovia Vein Specialty Centers (in Oregon).
If left untreated, DVT can develop into pulmonary embolism – a life-threatening complication. If your child shows any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Rapid pulse
- Coughing up blood
Treating a Child for DVT
Treatment for a DVT is not too dissimilar for children and teenagers compared to adults. In most cases, a physician will prescribe an anticoagulant that will help to treat and prevent blood clotting. Doses will be adjusted based on the child’s age and weight, and lifestyle adjustments such as diet changes and wearing compression socks will be encouraged.
If you are interested in learning more about DVT and treatment options, simply fill out our Online Appointment Request Form or call any of our clinics in Northwest Portland , Tigard, Happy Valley, Hillsboro or Bend, Oregon.