| Our
tips to avoid the danger of DVT |
|
|
 |
| Long-haul
fliers are especially susceptible |
|
|
Deep
Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is rarely out of the headlines these days,
mainly thanks to air travel. But there are steps you can take to avoid
it, so here's our guide to everything you need to know about DVT -
and how to reduce your risk when flying. |
|
|
|
|
DVT
is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep
veins of the legs. It must be distinguished from blood clots
in superficial varicose veins in the legs, called phlebitis,
which is much less serious.
One in every hundred people who develop DVT dies. The cause
of death is usually a blood clot, travelling from the legs to
the lungs. This is called pulmonary embolus or PE. When PE is
severe it causes the lungs to collapse and heart failure. |
What
are the signs of DVT?
|
|
You
may get swelling, pain, tenderness and redness especially
at the back of the leg below the knee. This is different from
the mild ankle swelling that many people get during long haul
flights and DVT usually - though not always - affects only
one leg.
These
complaints may develop during the journey but more commonly
hours or even days later. The pain may be made worse by bending
the foot upward towards the knee.
In
some cases there may be no signs or symptoms of DVT at all
in the legs and problems only become obvious when a pulmonary
embolus or PE develops from the clots in the legs. DVT whatever
the cause, is a serious condition and may need urgent investigation
and treatment.
|
|
|
Every
year DVT occurs in about 1 in 2000 people in the general population,
ranging from less than 1 in 3000 in people under the age of
40, and up to 1 in 500 in those over 80
The
risk of DVT and PE is greater in people
·
over 40 years of age
· who have had blood clots already
· with a family history of blood clots
· suffering from or who have had treatment for cancer
· with certain blood diseases
· being treated for heart failure and circulation problems
· who have had recent surgery especially on the hips
or knees
· who have an inherited clotting tendency.
DVT is also more common in women who
·
are pregnant
· have recently had a baby
· are taking the contraceptive pill
· are on hormone replacement therapy or HRT.
|
|
|
DVT
may be associated with any form of long distance travel whether
by air, car, coach or train.
In
particular long-haul air travel (flights lasting longer than
five hours) where passengers remain immobile in the seated
position for long periods of time, may be associated with
an increased risk.
The
important point to remember is that the vast majority of air
passengers do not need to take any medication on long haul
flights to prevent DVT.
All
air passengers, even those at greatest risk, can reduce the
chances of getting DVT by doing the simple exercises.
|
How
to reduce the risk of DVT on long haul flights
|
|
Before
the trip:
Consult your doctor if you have
·
ever had a DVT or PE
· a family history of clotting conditions
· an inherited tendency to clot (thrombophilia)
· cancer or had treatment for cancer in the past
· undergone major surgery in the last three months
· had hip or knee replacement within the last three
months or
· ever suffered from a stroke.
You
may need advice on in-seat exercises, especially leg exercises
to keep the circulation active and reduce the risk of developing
a DVT. Some information is provided in the links on the left
hand side of the page.
More
information is available in literature provided by travel
agents, and in the in-flight leaflets magazines and videos
now produced by many airlines.
You
may also need to discuss treatment with blood-thinning drugs
or the use of elastic stockings if you are in a high-risk
group. Elastic stockings are widely available from pharmacies
and pharmacists can provide advice on use and fitting. Because
aspirin can have serious side effects like bruising, bleeding
from the gut and allergies you should consult your doctor
before deciding to take this drug
Make
sure you have good medical insurance for your trip. If you
are travelling within the European Economic Area, you may
be eligible for an E111 form. This is available from Post
Offices or using the application form in the Department of
Health leaflet, Health Advice for Travellers. This entitles
you to free or reduced-cost emergency treatment only, and
therefore you must also be insured.
|
|
What
to do during your trip:
|
 |
|
Be
comfortable in your seat |
|
|
Bending
and straightening your legs, feet and toes while seated every
half-hour or so during the flight is advised; |
|
|
Pressing
the balls of your feet down hard against the floor or footrest
will also help increase the blood flow in your legs and reduce
clotting; |
|
|
Upper
body and breathing exercises can further improve circulation; |
|
|
Take
occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests this
is safe; |
|
|
Take
advantage of refuelling stopovers where it may be possible to
get off the plane and walk about; |
|
|
Drink
plenty of water; |
|
|
Be
sensible about alcohol, which in excess leads to dehydration
and immobility; |
|
|
Avoid taking sleeping pills, which also cause immobility. |
What
to do after the trip:
|
| For
the vast majority of air passengers there will be no problem.
If, however, you do develop swollen painful legs, especially
where one is more affected than the other, or breathing difficulties
see a local doctor urgently or go to the nearest Accident and
Emergency Department. |
|
Research
into travel-related DVT
|
|
More
good research is needed to find out the real connection between
DVT and air travel, what the scale of the problem is, and
how it can be prevented.
The
Department of Health and the Department for Transport, Local
Government and the Regions has set up the Aviation Health
Working Group to oversee this research and to provide advice
to air travellers and the airline industry. The group will
help to ensure that further research ties in with that being
developed by the World Health Organisation, supported by the
aviation industry.
|
Further
information on travel related DVT
|
|
Health
Advice to Travellers: This booklet (T6) is available free
from the Health Literature Line on 0800 555 777.
It also contains an application for an E111 form, which is
required for free medical treatment by UK citizens travelling
in the EU. The information is also available on the Internet
at and on CEEFAX pages 460-464.
Health
Information for Overseas Travel: This booklet is aimed mainly
at providing travel information for doctors and healthcare
workers so that they can advise patients and clients on all
health aspects of travelling.
It
is available from The Stationery Office and other good bookshops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
