Many people experience anxiety when it comes to flying, but what most do not realize is that besides the terrifying turbulence, there can be significant health risks associated with air travel.

The cramped seating arrangements found on airplanes can lead to various health complications, one of which is deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein usually in the leg. These clots can break and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolisms, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Factors known to increase the risk of developing DVT include prolonged sitting or bed rest, surgery, pregnancy, obesity, and age. However, many people are not aware that air travel and being in cramped quarters for extended periods can also heighten the risk of developing DVT.

Why Air Travel Increases the Risk of DVT?

The risk of developing DVT is more significant during air travel due to the unique combination of various risk factors that come into play, including limited leg room, dehydration, and cabin pressure.

Anyone, from healthy individuals to people with pre-existing medical conditions, can suffer from DVT after a long flight, particularly if they are unable to stand up and move around. Sitting for hours in a small, confined space can hamper blood circulation, leading to blood pooling in the legs and increasing the risk of a clot developing.

Additionally, the low humidity levels in the cabin can cause dehydration, which can thicken the blood, making it more prone to clotting.

Who is at Risk?

People with pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and obesity, are at higher risk of developing DVT.

Other medical conditions that can increase the risk of DVT include blood clotting disorders, recent surgery or trauma, family history of blood clots, and pregnancy. While the majority of cases of DVT occur in individuals over the age of 60, everybody is potentially susceptible to DVT, including young adults and children.

How to Prevent DVT on a Flight?

Fortunately, there are several simple and easy ways to reduce the risk of developing DVT while in flight. These include:.

1. Movement

Moving your legs and feet during the flight can help keep your blood circulating, and reduce the risk of DVT. Although it can be challenging to move about during your flight, it is essential to make do with the limited space you have.

Simple exercises you can do while seated include rotating your ankles, bending and straightening your legs, stretching your calf muscles, and taking a walk up and down the aisle when permitted.

2. Hydration

Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of DVT. Dehydration can cause the blood to thicken, making it more prone to clotting.

Staying hydrated can help keep the blood thin and the circulation flowing smoothly.

3. Compression Clothing

Compression stockings can help reduce the risk of DVT by increasing blood flow and preventing blood from pooling in the legs. Compression clothing applies pressure to the legs to promote healthy blood flow and reduce the risk of DVT.

Compression stockings are available in most pharmacies and are a popular preventative measure for people with a higher risk of DVT.

4. Aspirin

People who are at high risk of developing DVT might be prescribed aspirin or other blood thinners for long flights. However, individual should consult a doctor before taking any medication in preparation for air travel.

Conclusion

Deep vein thrombosis can be a severe condition and can develop rapidly and catastrophically if untreated.

While air travel can hit some passengers in different ways, passengers can take steps to minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis and stay physically healthy. By keeping in mind the importance of movement, hydration, compression clothing, and, when necessary, medication, passengers can perform their civic duties ensuring that their flight is happy and healthy.