A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower limbs (e.g. calf) or pelvic level. It is more likely to happen on air travel.
DVT can have serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism (possibly fatal) that occurs when a clot breaks away from the original thrombus. Subsequently, if the clot is not too large, it passes through the heart valves and atria, to be pumped to the right side of the heart and then to the lungs. Here the particle Not it can pass through the pulmonary capillaries where the exchange between carbon dioxide that is released and oxygen that is absorbed takes place, and if it is large enough it can cause breathing problems and chest pains. It is a fairly rare event that affects an average of 1-2 people in a thousand, but if severe enough in extent and size it could cause cyanosis, shock and death.
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of developing a simple DVT while flying. This is only a guideline, so check with your doctor before flying if you are unsure.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure you sit properly
- Keep your thighs clear of the seat armrests. The armrest may compress the thigh, reducing blood flow to the lower leg, increasing the risk of DVT.
- To help the blood flow more freely, place your feet on one side of the luggage, use the footrests if you are traveling first class. Take off your shoes and use a foot massager to stimulate circulation.
Step 2. Do specific exercises
It is essential to do some exercises during a long flight.
- Keep moving by walking down the aisle of the plane when you can get up.
- Do foot exercises while sitting. Rotate your ankles 10 times in both directions. With the knee raised, move the big toe by stimulating the top of the foot. This is a reflex zone for the lower leg, the stimulation will promote the circulation of the lower limb. Do the exercise for both feet and hands.
- Spread your toes and lift them towards your legs.
- Take a brisk walk before boarding to improve circulation.
Step 3. Drink water
The air inside the plane is very dry so you are much more likely to become dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid drinking too much alcohol. Lack of water would make the blood less fluid and increase the risk of a thrombus forming.
Step 4. Put on graduated compression footwear
Stretch socks or graduated compression footwear with a compression factor of 70 deniers will help prevent swollen ankles. This is very important if you have varicose veins, but appropriate footwear can be requested at the hospital or pharmacy. Many people find this type of footwear uncomfortable and in some cases their use could be contraindicated. These people, to prevent DVT, can wear a special device, used by athletes, which compresses the calf.
Step 5. Take aspirin
Acetylsalicylic acid at a dose of 100 mg is an anticoagulant that helps reduce the risk of DVT. Take one aspirin the day before you leave, during your trip and then one tablet a day for 3 days thereafter. If you can't take acetylsalicylic acid, try natural remedies like pine bark or ginkgo biloba.
Advice
- Know that it is possible to confuse a DVT with the simple swelling - localized in the ankles - that many people experience during a flight. Wearing graduated compression footwear also helps alleviate this common side effect.
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Our body can release some clots, without causing any damage. Problems arise when clots are larger in size, blocking blood flow in the veins. Symptoms of a DVT include:
- A severe swelling usually localized to only one leg
- Pain in the leg which may increase while walking or standing
- Redness
- Risk factors for a DVT include:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Varicose veins
- Genetic factors
- Paralysis or immobility
- Major surgery
- Taking the contraceptive pill
- Pregnancy and postpartum period
- Trips longer than 5 hours
- Do not take acetylsalicylic acid if you are a minor. It could cause Reyes Syndrome.
- Know that you may not experience any symptoms. It is important to take your physical condition into consideration; if you fly frequently, get medical checkups at regular intervals.
- Always ask for personalized medical advice based on your health condition.
- If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, they may not be a symptom of a DVT, but you should see a doctor as soon as possible for proper investigation.
- Pulmonary embolism - an obstruction in the passage of blood to the lungs - could also have other causes, such as accumulations of fat or air bubbles following an accident or surgery.
