|
If you’re not careful, well, yes. That’s because sitting for long periods of time without moving (especially in economy class!) can expose you to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of a blood clot in a vein deep inside a part of the body, usually the thighs and calves.
“The bane of the traveller, DVT is actually more common than expected,” says Dr Benjamin Chua, consultant in Vascular Surgery at the Department of General Surgery of Singapore General Hospital.
“Those suffering from DVT usually feel muscle pain, tenderness, swelling and redness around the calves of the leg. In severe cases, the swelling can extend up to the thigh and hip level, explains Dr Chua. Sometimes, it can takes up to two weeks for the symptoms to become apparent.”
Dr Chua adds: “But DVT is only potentially life-threatening when the blood clot breaks away from the vein and lodges itself in the lungs. When the clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart, a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE) develops. In its most severe cases, PE could lead to collapse, a drop in blood pressure and sudden death.”
Related video: When the plane takes off or land, the changes in the cabin pressure can cause your ears to be blocked. This video will show you how to solve this annoying problem.
The Economy class syndrome
It is only in recent years that deep vein thrombosis gained notoriety. And it came after headline reports of long-haul flight passengers collapsing after hours spent confined in tight seats. Although the condition has been nick-named the “economy-class syndrome”, DVT doesn’t just occur to those travelling on planes. In 2003, NBC Iraq war correspondent David Bloom collapsed after having ridden for hours in a cramped tank.
Who’s at risk?
Even the healthiest souls among us can succumb to DVT, but these are the groups of people who are especially at risk according to the Health Promotion Board.
- Travellers who are physically immobile for a prolonged period of time, such as plane passengers or bed-ridden patients
- Those aged above 60
- Those with inherited blood clotting conditions
- Pregnant or post-partum women
- Those who are overweight or obese
- Those with large varicose veins
- Cancer patients
- Those using central venous catheters
- Those taking contraceptive pills or are on hormone therapy
Stop DVT from developing!
Don’t hurry to cancel that long-haul flight to your dream destination just yet. There are ways to prevent this silent killer from striking on the plane.
- Keep movin’: Don’t sit in a cramped position for too long. Wriggle your toes and work those ankles and knees. Make an effort to stand up and walk along the aisle to get the blood pumping. If possible, ask for an aisle seat. Studies have shown at passengers in the window seats have double risk of developing DVT.
- Sit right, not tight: Don’t cross your legs or sit on the edge of the seat. Wear loose clothing, and avoid stockings or socks with tight bands.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine on board: Don’t let yourself be intoxicated or dehydrated before and during a long-haul flight. Instead, drink water at regular intervals.
- No sleeping pills either: This encourages immobility and increase the risk of DVT.
- Wear travel compression socks: These are designed to encourage upward flow of venous blood in the lower limbs, thus preventing the pooling of blood in the veins and reducing the risk of blood clotting.
Always consult your doctor if you have any health concerns with regards to air travel. Dr Chua advises: “This is especially true if you have an existing health condition that may increase your risk of DVT. Your doctor will be able to assess the probability of you developing DVT based on your medical history and current condition.” |