Air Travel – How To Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis When On Holiday

By Dorothy Yamich on June 3, 2009

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, 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 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 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, lessen or 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.

A number of experts suggest that when flying you should wear loose clothing and avoid wearing tight fitting slacks and elastic support socks or stockings; moving and exercising your legs frequently when sitting; changing your sitting position often; not sitting with your legs crossed; walking up and down the aisle every half-hour or so, and drinking a sports drink like Gatorade so you dont 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 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.

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