 Deep Vein Thrombosis. We’ve all heard of it and probably associate it with flying. But many will be blissfully unaware of the very real danger it poses to our health. For a long time doctors have been warning about the risk associated with long-distance travel, but the first research to support the theory has just been
published in a medical journal. It says the risk of Venous Thromboembolism - a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein - which can lead to DVT (a blood clot which forms in a deep vein) is three times greater for travellers than for people who are not cramped for many hours in airplanes or on other forms of transportation. Doctor Andrew Devine from The City Hospital says it’s something those planning on flying off for the summer need to understand more about. “To put it bluntly, anybody who gets on a plane has the potential to get a blood clot in a vein, because they’re sitting for a number of hours and the blood flow slows down. Depending on other factors which make some people more at risk than others, we are essentially all at risk,” he warns. “It’s a serious issue because DVT in itself can cause pain and discomfort and a swollen leg. But pain and discomfort is just the start of it. “What makes it dangerous is, for some people, a clot can travel through to the heart and, depending on the size of it, can then get stuck in the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. If it’s a big enough clot it can kill you in seconds.” Doctor Devine stresses that the number of DVT cases which prove instantly fatal is very small, but people still need to know the risks to make sure they reduce their chances of being affected. General symptoms include pain, swelling and discolouration in the legs, but clinical diagnosis can be tricky. Symptoms usually occur during the flight, but they may come on hours or even days later. And if you thought just because you’re young and in general good health you are safe, think again. From smokers to those on the contraceptive pill, there are many reasons why individuals can find themselves at increased risk. Lucy Duggan was only 28 when she suffered from DVT. “I went to visit my boyfriend in Australia a couple of years ago. It was a long flight from Ireland all the way to Australia, with one stop. I had a great holiday and returned home two weeks later. “After a couple of days, my left leg started to swell up. It was like an elephant’s leg and I could not even get into some of my jeans. My parents sent me straight to the hospital and it turns out that I had DVT,” she says. “I was shocked as I was only young. At the time I was too sick to realise what was happening and it took some time for me to get well again.
“I was told afterwards I was very lucky - if I hadn’t gone to the hospital when I did, it could have been fatal.” People who’ve just undergone surgery, have heart problems, are pregnant, obese or have varicose veins are at increased risk. Doctor Devine says some people are put on ‘baby Aspirin’ which helps to thin the blood prior to and after flying. He also advises drinking plenty of water, exercising your feet and legs and wearing flight socks while travelling long distances regardless of whether you’re on a plane or cramped in the back seat of a car. “If you’re doing anything other than a short domestic flight, get used to wearing flight socks and make sure you get up from time to time. “Flight attendants like everyone sitting down because it makes their job far easier, they don’t want people milling around because they won’t be able to serve lunch, but make sure you move,” he suggests. Flight socks are available from Boots Chemist in City Centre Mall, as well as at airports and many other pharmacies around the city.
Twist those Tootsies You’ve pulled on your flight socks, have a nice big bottle of water by your side, now all you need to do is get stretching. While you’re in your seat, rotate your ankles, wiggle your toes, and point your feet at least every 30 minutes. Also, make sure to get up to stretch your legs with a walk around the cabin or to the toilet. Going for a brisk walk just before boarding the plane also helps. | 
Travel TIPS 
