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DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis (cont.)
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back to DVT intro
What happens if
you get DVT?
DVT forming in the leg is not in itself dangerous
as the body, in most cases, naturally breaks the clotting down.
Where the danger lies is when the clot breaks free and travels
along the bloodstream to the lungs. This is known as a pulmonary
embolism and is known to cause fatalities in severe cases. Surprisingly
many people develop DVT and are unaware of having done so as the
body generally takes care of it. Regrettably it is the fatalities
that make the headlines and this is the public perception of DVT
– that it is fatal in all cases. Developing DVT is not severe
in itself, although it should be taken seriously. If, during or
after a flight, you feel a pain in your legs, particularly when
standing, or a shortness of breath you should contact a medical
professional immediately.
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What can you do to avoid
DVT?
The first thing you can do to avoid DVT if you
are flying long-haul is to visit your doctor if you feel you are
in a high-risk category for developing DVT, or if you have any
concerns at all. You should also consult your doctor if you are
considering a course of Aspirin as a form of blood thinning before
your flight. There is some evidence that taking half an Aspirin
daily goes some way to thinning the blood and therefore reducing
the chances of developing DVT. Aspirin though can have other side
effects, so you should always consult your doctor before taking
such action. You may also want to consider taking out good travel
insurance that covers medical treatment for DVT.
During the flight the key is to keep the blood circulation moving
as much as possible. Make yourself as comfortable in your seat as
you can and if you find yourself sitting next to an empty seat,
use all of the space available to you. Keeping the blood circulating
can be achieved in a variety of ways:
Clothing
Wear loose fitting clothing where possible. Travelling is not a
fashion show, so wearing practical, loose clothing will help to
ensure you are sitting comfortably in your seat. Tight clothing
on any part of the body can restrict the flow of blood around the
body.
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Exercising
Upper body, lower body and breathing exercises can help improve
the circulation while sitting still. Most airlines these days
show a short film while the aircraft is taxiing at the beginning
of the flight that demonstrate some effective exercises that you
can do in-flight to help avoid DVT. Take notice of the video and
try to do them as often as possible. Upper body exercises shouldn’t
be overlooked as well even though most reported cases of DVT have
occurred in the legs. Even simple exercises like rotating the
feet in small circles can help.
Walking around the cabin
DVT is mostly associated with long-haul flights (flights
over 5 hours in duration) so the aircraft used for such flights
are normally quite large and spacious. Take advantage of that
space and take every opportunity to get up out of the seat and
walk around the aircraft. Taking an aisle seat makes this an easier
proposition, but don’t be afraid to get up even if you’re
in a window seat. Do so only when the pilot deems it safe and
the seat-belt sign is turned off. Most large aircraft have lavatory
facilities at the back of the aircraft and adequate room to stand
without bothering other passengers. Try to stand for 10 minutes
in every hour where possible.
Compression socks
Compression socks are a relatively new development in
preventing DVT. They work by having greater pressure, or compression,
in the lower region near the foot, and lesser compression up near
the knee. These socks are designed to help blood circulation but
while there is no conclusive proof that they do actually prevent
DVT, studies have shown however that wearers of these socks, particularly
those deemed as high-risk, are statistically less likely to develop
DVT.
Keep hydrated
Air inside the cabin of an aircraft can be typically
up to 25% less humid than normal and this has a dehydrating effect
on a person. When the body is dehydrated normal body functions
are interrupted and compromised and that can affect blood circulation
around the body. Simple steps that you can take to avoid dehydration
are:
- Drink plenty amounts of non-alcoholic drinks – particularly
water
- Avoid beverages like tea, coffee and especially alcohol
- Eat smaller amounts of food before and during the flight
to avoid digestion problems
Avoid sleeping pills
Sleeping pills, by their very nature, encourage non-activity
or mobility. While it might be advantageous to get as much sleep
as possible, especially during a long-haul flight, it is also
important to keep the circulation moving by regular activity.
Most people will not have a problem even if they sleep through
the whole trip in one position, but there is a percentage of the
population for whom DVT is a real possibility.
Before you travel, make sure to check with your health professional if think you may be at risk of developing DVT while traveling, and remember, if you experience any form of pain, swelling or discolouration in your legs after a long flight you should consult a medical
professional immediately.
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