Air Travel – How To Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis When On Vacation
Commercial air flights cause airline passengers blood to get thicker and slow down which can increase the possibility of blood clots, particularly in the lower extremities. And, the longer the flight, the greater the risk. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the legs. This is a medical emergency. If this dangerous clot breaks away, it may move to the lungs which then could be fatal.
A common misconception is that younger, stronger, and physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Recent research shows that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, such as athletes, are in reality more at risk than the general population. People that have a history of swollen legs can also be at risk. Other people who are at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or on hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Obesity may also be a factor.
There are two sets of symptoms relating to deep vein thrombosis that you must be aware of. The first set of milder symptoms may start during your flight or in the following couple of days. These symptoms are swelling, redness, tenderness, or cramps in one of your lower legs. There also can be some swelling or bruising behind one of your knees. The more severe second set of symptoms usually appear two or more days after the blood clot has formed. They are shortness of breath, rapid or painful breathing, fainting, a fever, chest pain which may be accompanied by pain in a shoulder, and coughing up blood.
What can contribute to these dangerous symptoms?
Deep vein thrombosis can occur in your lower legs at anytime when you are sitting in one position for a long period of time without moving. Some research shows that you are at three times the risk of developing this serious medical condition when flying. Driving and traveling by bus or train, or even sitting in your favorite easy chair can also cause it.
How can you, as an airline passenger, prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?
You can help prevent deep vein thrombosis from developing by increasing the circulation in your legs. If you are predisposed to any of the above risks, you may want to book an aisle seat to give you a little more room to move and enable you to easily get up and walk around at anytime without disturbing your fellow passengers.
Some experts suggest you wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tightly fitting slacks and elastic support stockings or socks; move and exercise your legs frequently while sitting; change your sitting position often; not sitting with you legs crossed; walk up and down the aisle every half-hour or so, and drink a sports drink such as Gatorade so you do not become dehydrated.
It is very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which can be fatal. If you develop any of the above mentioned symptoms you must seek medical help immediately. Inform the physician who is treating you that have just flown recently and you think that it is a blood clot. If the doctor doesnt think it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him or her to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing chest problems insist that he do a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger. It takes only a few minutes and will prevent a serious misdiagnosis of your condition.
AirHealth.org, is an excellent, non-profit organization that is dedicated to your health when you travel on commercial airline flights. Theres a lot of valuable up to date information and research on their website concerning deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer that you can print off and take with you when you fly. The flyer is available in English, French, and Spanish.