About Health Problems caused by air travel
The major risk associated with aircraft flight generally refers to a potential collapse of the aircraft, but there is an unspoken threat: blood clots in the legs because of the extensive body immobile for long periods of time.As risk increases when passengers are crammed down in a restricted space, blood clot formation at this level is called economy class syndrome or traveler’s thrombosis.
In medical terms, the condition is called deep vein thrombosis and its risk increases with the duration of each flight. Traveling by plane longer than 8-10 hours showing the highest risk.
Deep vein thrombosis and air travel
The relationship between body immobility during air travel and DVT in the large veins of the legs can be explained at circumstantial rather than to the scientific ( in the absence of specific studies to analyze the phenomenon and to collect relevant results ) . The World Health Organization says , based on a comprehensive assessment conducted in 2011 , there is likely a link between air travel and venous thrombosis .
Traveller’s Thrombosis can occur on long journeys , because your legs are too long kept down inactive position which required blood flow to slow . When a person sit, veins are piled in the knee and pelvis , and the back of the knee is often pressed the seat pan .
Also, the amount of oxygen in the air is very low , and dehydration is possible after 6 hours of uninterrupted flight . In the somber event, it forms a blood clot in the large veins of the legs and get to move through the venous system to the lungs , causing pulmonary embolism, heart attack and , ultimately , death . DVT Symptoms usually appear 2-3 days after the long journey , but they can begin even after a few weeks of it. They may be
- Edema ( swelling) foot , the ankle or the sole ;
- Redness or discoloration of the affected limb blood clot;
- High temperature in the upper skin ;
- A chest pain and shortness of breath (occurs when a blood clot traveled to one of the lungs ) ;
Risk factors in causing thrombosis travelers are:
- The use of birth control pills ;
- Pregnancy ;
- Cancer ;
- Recent surgery ;
- Old age ;
- Obesity ;
- Medical history of blood clotting ;
- General predisposition to blood clotting ;
Preventing blood clots during air travel
Normally, regular physical activity contracting leg muscles cause the body which stimulates blood circulation in the legs , to the heart. When the leg muscles do not contract for long periods of time remains static blood in the veins , becoming susceptible coagulation .
Therefore, prevention of blood clots during air travel involves ensuring good blood circulation . Specifically, the steps they can take away long are these
- Dress properly . Clothes have a major influence on blood circulation in travel. Compression stockings can reduce the risk of blood clots asymptomatic , but it is unknown whether they have an effect on the occurrence of acute venous thrombosis , the condition that puts most life threatening in these circumstances. Even so , experts recommend wearing these clothing accessories during long flights . On the other hand , avoid tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes , which obstructs blood flow and cause discomfort.
- Choose seat edge. Traveller thrombosis risk is lower in people extend their legs outside the dedicated seat by the clearway . Also, raising the legs and maintaining this position for as long as may be helpful in stimulating blood circulation and reducing the discomfort travels.
- Make motion when you have the chance . Ideally , every 20 minutes, get up for short journeys . Exercise flexing their legs and rotate the ankle also help stimulate blood circulation . People with predisposition to blood clots should opt for flying first class , which can spread over long trips .
- Drink plenty of fluids . Dehydration contributes to the process of blood clotting , so it is very important to drink plenty of water during the flight . Drinking enough to keep your urine clear (most easily recognized sign of hydration levels in the body ) .
Some trivial exercise for the legs can be saving , if you are traveling by plane more than 8 hours and fear the occurrence of venous thrombosis . Try these two movements the next flight
- Stretching your toes . How much you can stretch your legs in front with fully flexible soles , and toes alternate orientation to the floor and the ceiling . Perform as many reps until you feel the muscles warmed up .
- Ankle circles . Stretch your legs in front and perform circular movements of ankles, feet moving in rotation with alternating direction . Repeat the exercise 10 times with each leg , then resume it after every hour spent in flight.
If you have a medical history that includes blood clots , talk to your personal physician , who may prescribe aspirin tablets ( a substance that prevents coagulation ) . Heparin injections are other preventive measures used in these circumstances , can be self-administered .