Have you ever heard about economy-class syndrome?
No, I am not talking about the recent economic crisis in Europe.
I am talking about deep venous thrombosis in airplane passengers, or ‘economy-class syndrome’ as it is sometimes known.
Remember that air travel increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Usually at air planes you are sitting still for a long time and this increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis (also called DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein. Part of a clot may break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) and, possibly, death.
Some people with DVT have no symptoms at all, but most of them will have one of the following symptoms at affected part of the body (usually the leg): pain, swelling, tenderness, redness of the skin.
As an airline passenger you should be aware how to prevent Deep Venous Thrombosis at long distant air fligths:
- Wear TED stockings
- Exercise during the flight
- Drink Water
Compression stockings also known as TED stockings ( T.E.D. – Thrombo Embolic Deterrent) are anti-embolism stockings for the legs. That help prevent blood clots. Wear that after the advice or prescription of a physician or medical professional – only them can help you to choose the proper sizing and compression level.
Exercising lower legs every half hour or so to keep blood flowing normally may prevent DVT. You should also walk up and down the aisle a few times during the flight.
You must drink plenty of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic fluids, such as water and fruit juices. I personaly prefer to drink water while on the plane.
You need to be aware that deep venous thrombosis can happen in every kind of long journey – since you may sit still for a long time. No matter if you are travelling by bus, car or airplane.
And what about you? Have you had deep venous thrombosis after a long distant air flight? Tell us you story.
