Travel Hazards: Deep Vein Thrombosis

When people talk about the dangers of traveling, they are usually referring to things like robberies and theft, food- or water-borne illnesses, or getting into an accident. In a stretch they might even include run-ins with psychotic locals, abductions, and demonic encounters in creepy old cabins. What they don’t usually think about is the danger lurking inside their own bodies

Trouble in the Blood

Although it might not seem so, travel can be very taxing on the body – especially if you have to sit for long periods. In fact, simply sitting is one of the worst things you can do for your body. Not only does it stress your spine but it’s also bad for your cardiovascular system. When it comes to travel, the biggest cardiovascular threat is the deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What is a DVT?

A DVT is a blood clot in one or more of the veins deep in your lower leg. These clots usually occur when circulation to the leg is constricted, such as by sitting for hours on an airplane. They can also occur in the hospital, especially in patients who are immobilized after surgery. If you suspect you have a DVT or experience symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, warmth, or redness, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. A vein specialist in jacksonville fl can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent complications such as pulmonary embolism.

If the DVT stays in place, it can block the vein causing the leg to swell, as well as other complications like damage to the muscles in the leg. If the DVT breaks off, it becomes what is known as an embolus and can become lodged in the small blood vessels in the lung. When this happens it causes a potentially fatal condition called a pulmonary embolism.

Often people don’t know they have a DVT, or an embolus, until they become very ill; and by then, it is often too late.

Preventing a DVT.

Although DVTs are potentially dangerous, it is possible to prevent them by taking the following steps when you travel:

• Stay well hydrated during your trip. Drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids before your flight, and take advantage of any water that is available during the flight. If you are worried about drinking a lot of fluids on a long flight, consider requesting an aisle seat so that you have access to the bathroom.
• Wear compression socks or stockings. These garments encourage circulation and can also prevent the foot swelling that people often experience when travelling. Drug stores carry compression products in medical colors. Online companies like Therafirm offer compression socks and stockings in a variety of styles and colors, which you can coordinate with your travel clothing.
• Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin before and during your flight. Aspirin is a blood thinner and could help prevent clotting in your lower leg. However, because aspirin can have other effects, you should consult your physician before taking it, especially if you are taking medication for another condition.
• Move your legs while you are sitting. Bouncing your knees, alternately lifting your heels and toes, and rolling your ankles can all encourage circulation through your lower legs.
• Wear loose-fitting shoes or boots. Tight shoes can constrict the circulation in your lower leg
• Stand up or walk around as much as you can. If you can’t stand or walk around during your flight you can use the time between flights, or when you are travelling to the exits, to walk rather than use the automated people movers.

Recognizing the Symptoms

DVTs do have symptoms, although they often go ignored and unnoticed. These symptoms include:

• Swelling in one foot, ankle or lower leg. It’s not unusual for there to be some swelling during travel, but it usually occurs in both legs equally. If one leg is noticeably more swollen, that could be the sign of a DVT;
• Cramping in your calf;
• Pain in one foot or ankle. It’s not unusual to have some foot pain during travel, especially if you have to do a lot of walking. If one foot is noticeably more painful than the other, or if the pain does not have an apparent cause, it could be the sign of a DVT;
• The skin of your lower leg feels warmer than the rest of the leg, or the skin is turning colors: pale, reddish, or bluish.

Pulmonary embolisms also have symptoms, including:

• Chest pain, under the breast bone and usually on one side. The pain can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, burning, or any combination. It usually gets worse when taking deep breaths;
• Fast breathing and wheezing;
• Sudden shortness of breath;
• Coughing up blood;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Swelling, pain, or discoloration in the lower leg;
• Dizziness; and
• Sweating or clammy skin.

You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the above symptoms.