Caveat: Long flight journey may lead to dangerous blood clots in your veins

Known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), this condition can put your life at risk, let alone spoiling your journey.

Planning to go for a mini vacation? Packing your bags until the night before you travel, setting off early to the airport to catch your flight, carrying luggage, security checking and then finally boarding the flight: All of these could be exhausting but not really risky. However, sitting for long in a flight can be. It can very well put you at the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). "Prolonged immobility due to illness or long journey by flight can cause DVT," says Dr Pankaj Patel, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, SL Raheja Hospital A Fortis Associate. In this condition, a blood clot may form in one or more deep veins of your body. Leg veins are the most common spots. Cramping, soreness, leg pain and discolouration of the leg skin are some of the symptoms of DVT.

According to the World Health Organization's Global Hazards of Travel (WRIGHT) Project on Air Travel and Venous Thromboembolism, the risk of DVT approximately doubles after a long-haul flight as the people are exposed to prolonged seated immobility. Obesity, extremes of height, use of oral contraceptives and pre-existing blood clotting abnormalities are the factors that contribute to the increased risk of travel-related DVT. Talk to your doctor before travelling and seek his advice about the precautions you can take.

Measures that matter

"Remember to stay hydrated. You should drink a lot of water when you are travelling by air," says Dr. Patel.

Cut down on caffeine and alcohol to keep away DVT.

Avoid wearing a tight inner wear. Put on loose clothes which do not restrict your movement and allow easy blood blow.

You can do stretching exercises while sitting.

Avoid taking sleeping pills during your journey.

"Wearing stockings to prevent clots, especially when you are immobile for prolonged periods," says Dr. Patel.

The take-home message: Don't ignore your leg pain and seek medical help if you feel an intense pain. Also, make sure that you don't sit in the same position for too long.

Image Source: Shutterstock