Small Business Online

Commercial air flights 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 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, or DVT, can occur in your lower legs anytime you are sitting in one position for a long time without moving. Research indicates that you are at three times the risk of developing this serious medical condition when you fly. When you drive, travel by bus or train, or even sit in your favorite easy chair at home you can also be at risk.

How can you, as an airline passenger, prevent this life-threatening condition from happening?

You can help prevent deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, from developing by increasing 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 more room to move and allow you to get up and walk around anytime without disturbing the 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.

It is very common for deep vein thrombosis to be misdiagnosed which can be fatal. If you develop any of the above mentioned symptoms you must seek medical help immediately. Inform the physician who is treating you that have just flown recently and you think that it is a blood clot. If the doctor doesnt think it is deep vein thrombosis, ask him or her to order an ultrasound of your leg to be sure. If you are experiencing chest problems insist that he do a simple and painless blood oxygen measurement on your finger. It takes only a few minutes and will 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 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. Its available in English, French, and Spanish.