Air Flights - How To Avoid Deep-Vein Thrombosis When You Fly

By: Dorothy Yamich

What causes deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and how serious can this in-flight medical condition be for air travelers?

Deep vein thrombosis is caused by a blood clot forming in the lower leg. If the clot breaks off, it may travel to the lungs which could then be fatal. If you develop symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in a leg, you should seek medical help immediately.

What causes the above symptoms to develop?

DVT can happen in your lower legs at anytime, usually when you sit in one position for a long time without moving. Some research indicates that you are at three times the risk of developing this serious medical condition when you fly. Even driving, traveling by bus or train, or relaxing in your favorite easy chair at home can also cause it.

What can air passengers do to protect themselves from this life-threatening condition?

You can help prevent this condition by increasing circulation in your legs. Many experts suggest wearing loose clothing and avoiding tight fitting pants or stockings, movie and exercise your legs frequently when sitting, changing your sitting position often, not sitting with you legs crossed, walking up and down the aisle every half-hour or so and drinking lots of water so you do not become dehydrated.

Obesity, or using oral contraceptives can increase the risk of DVT. as can other medical conditions lsuchg as heart disease or cancer.

If you are predisposed to any of the above risks, especially swelling of your legs and feet, you may want to book an aisle seat to give you a little more room to move and enable you to get up and walk around at anytime without disturbing your fellow passengers.

Dorothy Yamich has a passion for travel. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Europe as well as traveled in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. She is a travel consultant and specializes in luxury cruises as well as vacation packages. To quickly find and grab cheap airfares, at the lowest possible price, every time you feel like traveling, visit http://traveltipsguide.com/ for more information.

Aviation Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com