[The effects of physical therapy in prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the "syndrome of economy class"].
"Economy class syndrome" made headline news in Australia when young girl died from blood clot caused by deep vein thrombosis shortly after getting off a Sydney to London flight. Although medical research is yet to prove a link between long distance travelling and DVT, consumers sholud take precautions. Pain and swelling in one leg is usually the first sign of a DTV, although sometimes there won, t be any symptoms. In one to two percent of cases the blood clot can break away from the vein and travel to other major organs. If it s big enough it may cause breathing problems (pulmonary embolism), and in rare cases--around one in a thousand people with a DVT-death. During the flight: Change your position regularly and be aware of positions which might block your circulation. Regular excercise will help restore blood flow to your legs if you've been sitting for long period of time or in an awkward position. Dehydratation can cause the blood to thiceken. Alcohol and caffeine are known diuretics which may accentuate the effect of dry cabin air and immobility on blood flow. Drink 200 mls (a standards glass) of non-alcoholic fluids every hour and use the need to go to the toilet as an opportunity to change your posture.
Vavra-Hadziahmetović
Naricsa
N
Institut za Fizikalnu Medicinu i Rehabilitaciju, Klinicki Centar Univerziteta u Sarajevu.
Hadziahmetović
Zoran
Z
D000401:Aircraft; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D014195:Travel; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*