First Flight – Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis When On Your Vacation
Commercial air flights cause airline passengers blood to thicken and slow down, especially in their lower legs, which can increase the possibility of getting blood clots. The longer the flight, the greater the health risk. DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is caused by a blood clot forming in one of the legs. This is a serious medical emergency. If this dangerous blood clot breaks off, it may migrate to the lungs which can 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 actually two sets of symptoms pertaining to deep vein thrombosis that you should be aware of. The first milder set of symptoms may appear during your flight or within the following couple of days. These symptoms are redness, swelling, tenderness, or cramps in one of your lower legs, or some swelling or bruising behind one of your knees. The second set of symptoms are more severe and usually appear within two or more days after a blood clot has formed. They are fainting, shortness of breath, rapid or painful breathing, chest pain which can be accompanied by pain in the shoulder, coughing up blood, and a fever.
What can contribute to these specific 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 website. This professional, non-profit organization is dedicated to your health when you travel on commercial airline flights. There is a lot of valuable up-to-date information and research on their website about deep vein thrombosis that could save your life. They also have a free wallet-sized flyer that you can download and take with you when you fly. This flyer is available in English, French, and Spanish.
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Tags: Fitness and Health