First Flight – Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis When On Holidays
Commercial air flights cause airline passengers blood to become thicker and slow down, especially in the lower extremities, which can increase the possibility of developing blood clots. The longer the flight, the greater the medical risk. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by a blood clot forming in one of a persons legs. This is a very serious medical emergency. If this dangerous clot breaks off, it may travel to the lungs which then could be fatal.
A common misconception is that younger, physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Recent scientific research indicates that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, such as athletes, are actually more at risk than the general population. Having a history of swollen legs can also be a factor. Other people at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Also, women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Obesity can 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 anytime you are sitting in one position for a long time without moving your legs and feet. Some research shows that you are at three times the risk of developing this very serious medical condition when you fly. Driving, traveling by bus or train, or even sitting in your favorite easy chair at home can also cause it.
How can you, as an airline passenger, prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?
You can help prevent DVT from developing in your legs by increasing your circulation. If you are predisposed to any of the risks above, you may want to book an aisle seat to give you some more room to move and enable you to get up and walk around at anytime without disturbing other 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.
Its very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which could then be fatal. If you develop any of the above symptoms you must seek medical help as soon as possible. Inform the physician who is treating you that you have recently flown and you think that it may be a blood clot. If the doctor doesnt believe it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing chest problems insist that a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger be done. It only takes a couple of minutes and will help to 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 air flights. There is a lot of valuable up to date info and research on their site about deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer you can download and take with you when you fly. Its available in English, French, and Spanish.