When you are travelling, you need to take extra care of your health, especially if you are prone to developing deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in one of your body’s deep veins, most commonly the legs. This condition is characterised by swelling of your leg or arm, pain, tenderness and redness in the same area. These clots are extremely dangerous.
DVT can get aggravated by many folds during long-haul flights which last more than 4 hours and can persists for several weeks after landing.
Are You at Risk of Developing DVT?
Though not everyone is at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis when they fly, these factors can put you at a higher risk:
-If you are overweight
-If you have varicose veins
-If you have an inherited tendency for blood clots
-If you have had a stroke
-If you have heart disease
-If you are pregnant or have just given birth in less than six weeks
Reasons People Develop DVT during Long Flights
- Air pressure changes in a plane can lower the oxygenation of your blood. This can trigger the activation of the body’s natural clotting response and cause the formation of clots.
- Since you are immobile and sitting in one place in your flight for extended periods, your veins need mobility to circulate the blood from your feet back to the heart. Being immobile causes the blood to clot in your thigh veins.
- Dehydration can also cause DVT. People who forget to drink water when they are up in the air, combined with the excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine may cause extreme dehydration. Excessive dehydration can also lead to the formation of blood clots.
If a DVT is left untreated, then it can cause a variety of problems. If the blood clot begins to travel, it can make its way to your lungs and cause a fatal condition called pulmonary embolism.
How to Prevent DVT on Flights
You need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of DVT so that you can take proper action. Consult a doctor and get examined. If your doctor thinks you are prone to DVT, here are a few tips for prevention:
- Make sure you are drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause DVT.
- Avoid alcohol, especially if you are on a long flight which lasts more than 3 hours.
- Move your legs frequently. If you’ve been sitting for a long time, take a break to stretch your legs and flex your ankles.
- You can get up and walk around the aisle after the flight attendants say it is okay to do so. Remember, the chances of DVT increases with immobility, so if you can’t get up and walk, then try and do some sort of leg exercises while you are seated.
- If you are on blood thinners or anticoagulants when you are going to fly, make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations on the use of the medication.
- Wearing compression socks to prevent DVT is also a good idea. They work by putting gentle pressure on your leg, which can enhance blood circulation. Wearing copper fit compression socks can be your best travel companions for long flights. Copper fit compression socks stay fresher for a longer period since copper is said to have antimicrobial
Author Bio: Kunal is a young and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Clothing a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone.