Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a very serious medical condition that can be triggered or made worse with air travel. During my inflight training as a flight attendant we studied DVT and its dangers. I learned that passengers should move or stand frequently to maintain circulation. Most importantly, they should know how to prevent DVT before boarding the plane by taking precautions such as wearing travel socks, or compression legwear those produced by Ames Walker. These travel socks are designed specifically to decrease pressure from the ankle to the knee, which helps reduce blood pooling and prevents swelling.
Not only does Ames Walker sell travel socks, they also offer a podcast of upper body and leg exercises to help prevent blood clots from forming during extended air travel. You can download the podcast for free at Economy Class Syndrome.
Since I’m not a trained medical professional, I asked my friend Anya Clowers, RN, of Jet with Comfort for more insight on the subject. Here’s what she has to say:
First, it’s important to recognize clotting blood is a good thing and a natural part of the healing process. A blood clot (thrombus) stops the bleeding in little cuts as well as large wounds. Blood clots are good things in the right place and time. The danger of DVTs (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and their complications are that they can happen to young and old, and even those who are healthy without a history of clotting issues.
Travel increases risk for many reasons and places more people at risk. Sitting in a cramped position for long periods of time without moving the limbs can put anyone at risk. Dehydration (from alcohol, soda, and decreased hydration) also adds to this risk for DVTs. When blood pools or slows in circulation, there is an increased risk for thrombus (blood clots) to form in the deep veins of the legs, pelvis, and thighs. Sitting in those narrow airplane rows, on trains, buses or cars for long periods of time without movement pools the blood in the lower legs and those clots form in the deep veins. It is when pieces of the clot (emboli) break off and travel through the bloodstream that serious and sometimes fatal complications can develop. If that blood clot reaches the lungs, (pulmonary embolus) the result can be fatal. There is an increased risk of DVTs for pregnant women, travelers, women who take birth control pills, and overweight men and women.
So how can travelers prevent DVT?
1. Stay hydrated with non-dehydrating beverages. Water and fruit juice is best. (Avoid tea, coffee, and alcohol.)
2. Move around at least every hour. There are plenty of exercises that are able to be performed while sitting that will help increase circulation.
3. Wear compression travel socks designed to prevent the pooling of blood in the lower legs.
4. Make sure the compression socks fit well. Socks that are too tight will constrict blood flow.
5. Report any swelling, pain, warmth, or redness to a medical care provider immediately.
DVTs may affect travelers weeks after travel. Be sure to mention the trip when seeking medical evaluation.
Thank you, Anya, for taking the time to educated our readers on how to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to Ames Walker for introducing us to their helpful travel socks and podcast.
