The Dangers of Travel-related DVT and How to Prevent Them

Let's take a deeper look at Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - a condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year.  Many sufferers of DVT are frequent travelers - but there is a silver lining - DVT is preventable.   We'll talk about what DVT is and how it affects the Globetrotters among us, and then we'll also take a look at its potentially fatal cousin, Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

Frequent travelers recognize greater than anybody else the aches and pains of sitting down for prolonged hours, armed with the standard airline far of a measly carry-on bag, a small drink cup filled with juice or water, a snack-sized portion of pretzels, a SkyMall magazine and an airplane safety guide. Particularly in Coach class air travel, you're provided a modest level of comfort, but during long hours they mostly seem cramped and restricted.

This is an all too familiar scenario for the day-to-day lives of frequent business people, airline flight attendants, and pilots.  It even has its own name - "Economy Class Syndrome", used  to summarize the cramped muscles, poor circulation, and dehydration common in travelers during extensive flights, bus rides, car or truck drives, and train trips.  Those enduring the long haul of travel on a weekly, or perhaps day-to-day basis are at increased risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and the deadly Pulmonary Embolism (PE).

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a problematic vein clot deep in the lower-leg where it's usually not apparent at all. It is much more likely to have an affect on the left leg, mainly induced by changes in the rate of blood flow, the  durability of the vein walls and the thickness of blood. DVT is mostly caused by surgery, but can also be enhanced by using tobacco, hormonal birth control methods, infections, obesity, and of course -  considerable air travel, developing DVT known specifically as "Traveller's Thrombosis".

DVT commonly causes pain, inflammation, or redness in the affected leg. Many individuals brush it off as temporary weakness and pain. And, while DVT itself can cause discomfort and inflammation, it's a starting point to a Pulmonary Embolism, a sometimes fatal issue where a DVT blood clot flows to a vital artery of the lungs.

In the past 10 years, DVT has been a developing matter among both health care specialists and the public, particularly among travelers.

Although there are hardly any good estimates to how many individuals are  affected by DVT specifically because of travel, it is now estimated DVT affects more people than Breast Cancer or AIDS at over three hundred and fifty thousand people in the United States annually. There is good news nonetheless  in this comparison: DVT can be avoided through practical consideration and compression garments.

How can DVT be avoided?

For the intensive traveler, many actions can be taken to assist in preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis. The typical doctor recommendations of "shed extra pounds and stop smoking" definitely apply, but choosing an aisle  seat on the airplane offers you some extra advantages: You have a little extra leg space, you can quickly get up and stretch out every hour or so, allowing you to get your heart rate up a bit and stretch the calves.

All these are general common sense recommendations, and there's also a product any frequent flier should wear from the moment they step into the airport terminal until the minute they step off of the  airplane - compression stockings.

What are Compression Leggings?

Compression stockings are firm fitted garments with firm compression on the ankles that marginally reduces up the calves and thighs, known as "graduated compression". This outside force on the legs  encourages blood to flow and "push" upward as it naturally should.

This helps to keep blood moving properly and facilitates faster recuperation for the lower limbs due to the prolonged hours of sitting vertical in confined quarters.

Medical research has proved the effectiveness of donning compression stockings and socks properly in protecting against DVT concerning travelers. Researchers have discovered those sporting compression  hosiery, socks, or stockings when flying have less danger for developing DVT than to those who don't.

Choosing Compression Stockings for Travel

It really is important to note that although compression stockings are effective, there are unique factors why, and that simply putting on a tight-fitting article of clothing is not suitable. Tight-fitting clothes or  shoes not designed for compression therapy can actually restrict blood flow and raise associated risks.

You should always ensure you've measured properly and have the suitable size, brand, and style of compression garments that satisfies your needs. Improper sizes or compression levels can bring about more  harm than good. As a general principle, any compression over 20mmhg needs to first be recommended by a physician.

Also, compression stockings do not necessarily mean you have to give up design. Compression garment suppliers such as JUZO, Sigvaris and Jobst  have styles that feel comfortable and come in popular  colors. There is a seemingly incalculable number of choices in sheer hosiery, socks, and stockings for both women and men providing the benefits of graduated compression.

Visit Compression Therapy for news and tips related to compression garments and DVT. 

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