DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition which is also known as "travellers' thrombosis" and "economy class syndrome".

It is not uncommon for adult passengers to develop swollen ankles after a long distance flight. This swelling reduces without any treatment after a few days. However, a more serious complication of long distance travelling by air is a thrombosis, or blood clot, which usually develops in a leg vein, resulting in localised pain, tenderness, swelling and sometimes a fever. This thrombosis is not life threatening unless a small piece of the clot, called an embolus, breaks off and travels in the blood stream to become lodged in a blood vessel, often the pulmonary artery, blocking off the blood supply, thus causing death.

A study conducted at London Heathrow Airport has shown that every fifth sudden death following a long distance flight is caused by a pulmonary embolus, secondary to DVT. It is believed that the swollen ankles and the thrombosis develop during the flight from the prolonged period of sitting. The inactivity of the legs causes the blood circulation to slow down to a minimum, resulting in stagnation of blood in the lower legs due to the effect of gravity thereby encouraging the formation of a blood clot, usually in a deep vein in the calf.

Probably the two most effective ways to reduce the risk are to wear low compression stockings up to the knees and to practise leg exercises while seated.

The Adelaide Lymphoedema Clinic carries a full range of suitable styles of socks and stockings for flying. Call the clinic to be supplied and fitted. Contact the clinic here.