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A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep
vein, usually in a leg. This is a serious condition. Sometimes these clots can
break away and travel through the bloodstream to vital organs of the body and
can cause severe injury or death.
Possible Risk Factors of DVT
Prolonged physical immobility, such as sitting for an extended period, is considered
in the medical community to be a risk factor associated with DVT. People with
certain medical conditions or taking some medications may also be at a higher
risk of developing a DVT, including conditions or medications that affect blood
flow, alter normal blood-clotting mechanisms, or cause blood-vessel damage. Some
of these are:
- Cancer
- Hereditary blood-clotting disorders
- Increasing age
- Major illness with hospitalization
- Obesity
- Oral contraceptives use or hormone therapy
- Personal history of a DVT
- Pregnancy
- Recent major surgery or trauma
Possible Symptoms of DVT
Many DVTs do not produce any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include pain, swelling and redness in the affected area. Sever chest pain or problems breathing may indicate that a clot has traveled to the lungs. Any concern should be evaluated by a physician immediately.
Possible Ways to Reduce the Risk of DVT
Passengers should consult with their doctors about DVT and other personal health issues before flying. Because
the cause of a DVT is often no known, the best methods of preventing DVTs are
still uncertain. To try to reduce the risk of DVT, however, many passengers may
be advised by their doctors to take the following measures in flight:
- Regularly change leg position, and periodically move and stretch legs and feet while seated. Your doctor may suggest leg exercises at regular intervals - at least every hour or so.
- If conditions allow and the aisles are clear, you may want to occasionally get up and walk around. But remember that you must remain seated when the seat belt light is on and all passengers onboard a plane are required to comply with crew instructions.
- Avoid crossing the legs at the ankles or knees.
- Drink adequate non diuretic fluids - such as water, juice, and milk, and
minimize alcohol and caffeine intake,
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Wear graduated-compression stockings.
It is possible that no measure intended to prevent DVT will be effective. It is
also possible that some of the measures listed above may not be recommended for
some passengers, depending on their health situations as assessed by their doctors.
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