Summer Vacation, Travels…and DVT?

Summer breaks are coming soon to many lucky people. For some, this means staying at home and relaxing, for others it means traveling to visit family and friends or to explore new places.

Of course, when we travel, we want to stay healthy so we get vaccinations if we need and we be sure to take necessary medicaitons with us, but what about unforeseen problems, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

What’s that you say?

DVTs are blood clots that form in deep veins in your body – most commonly in the legs, but they could happen anywhere a deep vein exists. The vein sits along the vein wall and, if big enough, it can slow or block blood flow. But worse, if it breaks off – it could travel to your lung and cause a pulmonary embolism , a clot in your lung, which could lead to death.

What has this got to do with travel?

There have been reports of so-called Economy Class Syndrome, where people who have flown long distances have developed DVTs while sitting in their seats. The theory is that the cramped leg room in the airplane discourages or prevents moving the legs, which can reduce the risk of blood clots. And, the longer you sit there, the worse it gets.

This doesn’t only happen in planes though. Although in planes you are limited with your ability to move, people who are determined to drive long distances in their car, without stopping, could also be at risk of developing a DVT.

So, what should you do?

First, you need to know if you’re at risk of having one. Of course, anyone can have one, but some people are at a higher risk. These include people who:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Are inactive
• Travel long distances in confined quarters
• Use certain birth control pills
• Are pregnant
• Had a trauma to a leg
• Recently had surgery
• Are immobile or on bedrest
• Have a family history of blood clots

If you have any of these risk factors, you should speak to your doctor before traveling. And, watch for these signs and symptoms. If you have any, seek help right away:

• Red areas on the leg
• Temperature differences (a leg with a clot may be warmer to touch)
• Swelling in one area or on one leg
• Pain or tenderness

Don’t take any chances with DVTs. Get help if you suspect you have one.

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Images: Morguefile.com