Based on specialists at Chemist Click on this is because of a number of causes.
“Individuals who undergo prolonged durations of inactivity, akin to throughout long-distance flights, mattress relaxation as a consequence of sickness or surgical procedure or being confined to a wheelchair, can improve the danger of deep vein thrombosis – DVT (a blood clot present in a deep vein),” they advised Specific.co.uk.
“Immobility, coupled with the lowered cabin stress and humidity in an aeroplane can contribute to blood pooling and slower blood movement, doubtlessly resulting in clot formation or the enlargement of current clots.
“Flying, significantly long-haul, can improve the danger of pulmonary embolism (PE) which is a severe complication of DVT, when a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs inflicting a blockage due to the extended immobility and lowered mobility via the length.
“The lowered cabin stress in aeroplanes can result in dehydration, because the air within the cabin is often dry.
“Dehydration can thicken the blood, making it extra vulnerable to clotting.
“Extended sitting with out ample leg motion can contribute to blood pooling within the legs, doubtlessly growing the danger of clot formation or exacerbating current clots.”
Indicators of a blood clot to look out for when flying
The specialists mentioned: “Problem respiration or a sudden onset of shortness of breath, particularly whether it is accompanied by chest ache, is usually a signal of a pulmonary embolism which is a medical emergency that requires instant consideration.
“Sharp or stabbing chest ache, significantly when accompanied by problem respiration, is also indicative of a PE or different cardiovascular points.
“If you happen to discover a sudden improve in coronary heart fee or really feel irregular heartbeats (palpitations) or really feel lightheaded, dizzy or expertise a lack of consciousness, you search medical consideration instantly.
“You’ll have a blood clot should you discover intense ache, swelling or tenderness in a single leg, significantly whether it is accompanied by heat, redness, or discolouration.”
Indicators of DVT embrace:
- Ache and tenderness within the affected leg, usually felt as a deep ache or cramping sensation
- Ache that will worsen when strolling or standing
- Swelling, which can be accompanied by heat and redness, a bluish or purplish hue within the affected space
- Superficial veins close to the positioning of the clot could turn into extra outstanding and visual.
Tips on how to decrease your danger of a blood clot when flying
Fortunately there are steps you’ll be able to take to cut back your danger of a blood clot.
“Take common alternatives to maneuver and stretch your legs and go for an aisle seat, if doable,” the specialists added.
“You are able to do easy leg workout routines, akin to ankle circles, heel-toe raises and leg lifts whereas seated.
“Attempt to stroll within the aisle when it is secure to take action or do in-seat workout routines to maintain your blood flowing.
“Search recommendation out of your physician in regards to the applicable use of the medicine throughout air journey should you’re at excessive danger of DVT and have been prescribed blood-thinning medicine.
“Your physician might also offer you aspirin to cut back the danger, and you can too put on compression stockings.
“Sitting with crossed legs can limit blood movement within the legs. As an alternative, maintain your legs uncrossed and your toes flat on the ground or supported on a footrest if out there.”
Different danger components for blood clots embrace should you:
- Are staying in or lately left hospital – particularly should you can not transfer round a lot
- Are chubby
- Smoke
- Are utilizing mixed hormonal contraception
- Have had a blood clot earlier than
- Are pregnant or have simply had a child
- Have an inflammatory situation akin to Crohn’s illness or rheumatoid arthritis.
In case you are involved that you possibly can have a blood clot you must converse to your GP.