Alton Street Surgery

 

Travellers’ Health – Deep Vein Thrombosis

 

 

 

What is deep vein thrombosis?

 

Thrombosis is the medical term for a blood clot inside the body.  The term ‘deep vein thrombosis’ usually refers to a blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the legs.  It is also referred to as ‘venous thrombosis’ and can be abbreviated simply to DVT.

 

 

What causes DVT?

 

DVT occurs when there is reduced blood flow in the lower limbs.  The most common cause of reduced blood flow is prolonged immobility.  Other factors that pre-dispose to DVT include:

 

·         Taking oral contraceptives

·         Pregnancy

·         Heart failure

·         Recent surgery

 

 

What are the symptoms of DVT?

 

Symptoms include pain, swelling and redness of the calf.  A mild fever may also be present.

 

 

Is DVT dangerous?

 

The danger of a DVT is that all or part of the blood clot may break off and travel to the lungs.  Clots that lodge in the lungs are referred to as pulmonary emboli, and can be life threatening.

 

 

Are travellers at risk of DVT?

 

Travellers who remain immobile for a long time, for example, in an aeroplane seat, are at risk of DVT.  Air travel may also carry a slightly increased risk in that the air inside the cabin is dry, and may contribute to dehydration, which can further reduce blood flow.

 

 

What can I do to reduce my risk of DVT while flying?

 

On flights lasting four hours or more, or on multiple short-haul flights:

 

·         Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks

·         Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids

·         Do not cross your legs while seated

·         Wear loose-fitting clothing

·         Walk around the cabin as often as possible, ideally at least once every two to three hours

 

·         Do leg and foot exercises while seated.  For example, try ‘circling’ each ankle, first in a clockwise, and then in an anticlockwise direction

 

·         Consider wearing below-knee elastic compression stockings, putting them on before the start of every flight, and removing them after arrival

 

·         Follow any specific advice on prevention given by the airline

 

·         If you have a history of a previous DVT, or any other risk factors, consult your doctor for advice on prevention

 

 

What about aspirin for prevention of DVT?

 

Although some doctors do recommend taking half an aspirin before a long flight to reduce the risk of DVT, there is little evidence that it actually works.  Some people, for example asthmatics, and those on certain drugs, should not take aspirin.

 

 

How is DVT treated?

 

DVT is treated with anticoagulants (blood thinning treatment).  They may be given by injection initially, and then in tablet form.  However, the best treatment is prevention.

 

 

 

This patient information leaflet has been adapted from an original published by Clinnix Pro, Synigence PLC