DVT and Flying

How to Avoid DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

Thanks to extensive media coverage the public has become more aware of the condition called DVT or deep vein thrombosis. The link between air travel and deep vein thrombosis was first reported in medical journals published as far back as 50 years ago but, despite the intervening years, there still remains a lot of ignorance around this condition.

Although deep vein thrombosis has been inextricably linked with air travel it is a condition that may present itself whenever the human body is immobile for extended periods. Therefore passengers on long car, bus or train journeys are at just as much risk as the air traveller.

Deep vein thrombosis is not a unique
problem affecting air travellers –
it also affects those travelling
by other modes of transport.

There is no evidence that air travel increases the risk of DVT – it is periods of immobility that cause the problem and not flying.

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Deep Vein Thrombosis – The Symptoms

The symptoms of DVT are very similar to a number of medical conditions which can make it very difficult to diagnose. An ultrasound scan is the safest and most conclusive way of making an accurate diagnosis.

Deep Vein Thrombosis or dvt is not indicated by swollen ankles. Any acute pain in the muscles of the leg, accompanied by redness should be reported to the doctor especially if the occurrence coincides with a period of immobility.

Who is most at risk from Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The increase in association between DVT and flying has simply occurred because of the increase in the number of flights that people are taking. Although it is often referred to as the ‘economy class’ disease all passengers are at equal risk – remembering of course that there is no more risk for air travellers than there is for passengers in cars, buses and trains.

Ways to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis

Flying does not increase your risk of suffering from deep vein thrombosis – extended periods of immobility do. By taking sensible precautions, whenever you are travelling, by whatever mode of transport, you can help yourself avoid this nasty condition.

There is no more need to be afraid of flying for fear of contracting deep vein thrombosis than there is to undertaking a long car journey – both present an equal risk.