Oak Street & Oregon Allergy BlogHow to avoid blood clots when traveling
What is DVT? Deep vein thrombosis (throm-BO-sis), or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body. These clots occur when blood thickens and clumps together. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh. They also can occur in other parts of the body. Prolonged sitting or immobility is the primary reason why the risk increases during travel; blood that is not moving has a tendency to clot. People are at a heightened risk when they are immobile for 1-2 hours or longer. Those at higher risk There are certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, immobility, venous stasis and others, that can increase the chances of DVT. The best way to prevent this condition is to move every 1-2 hours. Here are a few movements that can be done, even in a confined space:
Stay hydrated People often avoid drinking fluids during a long trip because they don't want to get up on the plane to use the bathroom or make frequent stops when on the road. But it's important to increase your fluid intake and stay well hydrated. Certain drinks to avoid include: tea, alcohol, coffee and soft drinks with caffeine. These drinks can increase urination and add to dehydration. Water is your best bet. DVT Symptoms About half of those people who experience DVT have no symptoms at all. But when symptoms do arise, they normally occur in the affected part of the body (usually the legs). If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention immediately:
If you know that you fall into the higher risk category due to an existing condition, talk with your medical provider prior to taking an extended trip. |