Talking Travel

People who take air flights when they travel on their vacations and holidays can be at risk of developing a serious medical condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, which can be life threatening. The following article covers travel tips on how you can prevent this potential problem from developing into a serious medical condition when you travel on airline flights.

Commercial air flights tend to 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 misunderstanding is that young, strong, physically fit athletes are less likely to develop deep vein thrombosis. Scientific research indicates that many people with a slower at rest blood flow, like athletes, are actually more at risk than the general population. A person who has a history of swollen legs can also be more at risk. Other people at risk are those that have, or have had, a serious medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. And, women that are pregnant, or on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, tend to be more prone to DVT. Being overweight 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 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 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’s 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 doesn’t 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 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. It’s available in three languages, English, French, and Spanish.

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