Is it safe to travel with DVT?
The word deep refers to deep in the flesh and DVT occurs when the blood in a major and deep vein changes from a liquid to a solid state, thereby producing a clot. This may be dangerous, or even fatal, if the blood clot becomes big enough to cause an obstruction within the most important of the body’s major blood vessels, particularly those that take blood from the heart to the lungs. The deep veins of the legs and pelvis are large, so clots forming within these veins can be of a considerable size, making them potentially hazardous if they move.
A blood clot will form in the veins of an individual’s thigh or calf muscles during long periods of inactivity. When the person suddenly stands up it increases blood flow within the vein, and the clot (or part of it) can break off and head up towards the heart, from which it can be pumped into the lungs, becoming a pulmonary embolism. This may obstruct the flow of blood through the lungs so much that it can be a very dangerous situation.
Why is DVT at greater risk of occuring on long-haul flights?
Two main reasons: Firstly, the air is very dry in planes and there is a likelihood of passengers becoming dehydrated. With dehydration, the blood becomes thicker than usual and, therefore, more prone to clotting. Alcoholic drinks are readily available on planes, but they make you go to the toilet more. Unless you drink enough non-alcoholic drinks to compensate, this will increase the tendency to dehydration. Secondly, because there are limited opportunities to move around on planes, cirlulation becomes sluggish. Cramped seating may cause pressure points on the legs that slow blood flow locally, and this can increase the tendency for a clot to form.
What are the risks of it happenig to me?
Factors that may contribute to a higher chance of DVT are:
- being a smoker
- being over 40
- taking the Pill
- being overweight
- having had the condition before
- having undergone recent major surgery
What are the symptoms?
Swollen ankles, particularly if one ankle is far more swollen than the other. Localised pain or tenderness within a calf or thigh muscle is a possible symptom of DVT, and more serious are the onset of a cough, increased heart rate, breathlessness and chest pain. However, swollen ankles are very common on long flights, because of the lack of “muscle pumping” that helps drain away tissue fluids normally. This is not due to DVT.
How can I avoid it happening and feel safe travelling?
- Drink plenty of water or fruit juice
- Avoid alcohol, which will dehydrate you more
- Get up and move around as often as you can
- When you are sitting, try moving your ankles around and going up and down on your tiptoes
- Wear elastic compression stocking to improve cirlulation
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed and do not wear socks or tights that are too restrictive
- Some doctors also recommend you take an aspirin before you fly, but you should only do so if your GP advises
I hope you who are going on longer journeys, have wonderful times. Personnally I am back in La Herradura mid October, and hope to hear from you if there should be any questions or comments. I have also extended my nursing service to escort people who need somebody to accompany them for medical reasons when travelling.
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