When traveling by plane, some of us often experience swelling in the legs. Unfortunately, this swelling can be considered safe but can also cause a serious health condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition in which blood clots or clots form in the veins which can cause swelling, redness, pain, even in serious or untreated conditions, can cause blockage in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ) due to blood clots breaking off and being carried blood flow to the lungs which is at risk of being fatal.
When flying, there are conditions both in terms of the flight environment and passengers that can increase the risk of DVT. These conditions include:
Flight Factor:
- Decreased air pressure (hypobaric hypoxia) in the aircraft environment can reduce anti-clotting activity thereby increasing the risk of DVT, even up to 15 days to 1 month after flying.
- Decreased humidity levels can disrupt the balance of fluids in the body which causes dehydration and increases the risk of DVT.
- The limited space for movement on the plane causes passengers to tend to be in a sedentary condition (stasis) and causes blood flow in the veins to not be smooth.
- The duration of the flight is related to exposure to all the risks that exist in flight. The longer the flight time, the higher the risk of DVT.
Passenger Factor:
- Immobilization or lack of movement, especially in the leg area, can increase the risk of DVT due to poor venous blood flow.
- Excess body mass index (obesity) can reduce blood flow to the leg area thereby increasing the risk of DVT.
- The use of oral contraceptives and hormonal therapy can increase the risk of DVT 4 times greater because it affects the blood clotting process.
- Having a history of certain diseases or conditions such as thrombophilia, cancer, diabetes, trauma to the leg area, surgery, or a history of previous DVT can increase the occurrence of DVT.
- Having a smoking habit can lead to damage to blood vessels, impaired blood circulation, and increased blood clotting factors, which are the three main mechanisms for DVT.
- In pregnant conditions there is an increase in blood clotting factors and a decrease in venous tone which causes an increased risk of DVT increasing 5-10 times more than women who are not pregnant when flying, especially flights of more than 4 hours.
Some risk factors cannot be avoided when flying, but there are still risk factors that we can prevent to reduce the possibility of DVT when flying, namely:
- Choose a bulkhead seat (a partition area between economy and business class) to get additional legroom to move around (if possible, use business class or first class)
- Avoid putting things under the front seat because it can reduce the space for movement.
- Avoid sleeping or being in awkward positions (legs folded, body twisted, etc.) for a long time because it can affect blood flow.
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight and uncomfortable.
- Use socks that fit and are comfortable to apply the right pressure to the foot area to help blood flow.
- Don't forget to drink mineral water and avoid consuming alcohol to prevent dehydration.
- Perform routine movements every 1-2 hours, especially on long-haul flights, either by walking in the aisle or going to the toilet when the plane's condition allows, or by doing in-flight exercise in the seat.
In addition to taking precautions on the plane, it is certainly important to take other precautions such as not smoking, maintaining weight, or controlling pre-existing conditions or diseases to reduce the risk of DVT.
Here's a little explanation about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Keep in mind that these conditions can be dangerous and can appear up to 1 month after flying, so don't hesitate to consult to avoid these conditions.
Article written by dr. Andyka Banyu Sutrisno, Sp.KP (Aviation Medicine Specialist at EMC Cibitung Hospital).