How to Help Prevent and Identify Symptoms of DVT While Traveling

Tips to Prevent Blood Clots in Legs - Photo of DVT in Right Leg by James Heilman, MD

Traveling with kids can be a memorable experience, but developing a blood clot would not be on anyone's bucket list of things to experience while traveling. The CDC estimates that 300,000 to 900,000 people are affected by Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) each year.

What is VTE?

VTE combines two related health issues: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). DVT, sometimes called Venous Thrombosis, is a blood clot that typically develops in deep veins such as the leg or pelvis. If this clot breaks loose and begins to travel through the body, it can become lodged in a blood vessel that goes to the lungs, resulting in a PE. A pulmonary embolism can result in sudden death. Each year, approximately 60,000 to 100,000 people die of VTE.

DVT Traveler's Thrombosis - Photo by Jnpet

What are Risk Factors for DVT?

People who have had recent surgery or have a history of DVT have an increased risk for developing a blood clot in the future. Although studies have somewhat mixed reports, it is generally believed that travel, particularly prolonged (greater than four hours) air travel and perhaps sitting for long periods within other modes of transportation may increase one's risk for developing DVT. If a person develops a blood clot while traveling, some people may refer to this condition as traveler's thrombosis.

Additional risk factors for DVT include:

• Family history of clotting disorders, DVT, or PE
• Paralysis
• Pregnancy, including up to six weeks after giving birth
• Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills
• Some forms of cancer
• Heart failure
• Implanted pacemaker in a vein
• Obesity or being overweight
• Smoking
• Older age, especially those over age 60
• Men who are tall

The Prevent DVT web site has a questionnaire to assess an individual's risk for developing DVT.

What are Symptoms of DVT and PE?

Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs without any symptoms in approximately half of all cases, which can make the condition difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of DVT may include:

• Swelling in one leg, foot, or ankle
• Pain in one leg, foot, or ankle
• A warm spot or area on the affected leg
• Color changes in the affected leg

Symptoms of PE may include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest that worsens when taking a deep breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Fast pulse
• Sweating
• Coughing up blood
• Feelings of anxiety

If one develops symptoms of PE, this could be a life-threatening emergency. Seeking immediate emergency care would be necessary. If experiencing symptoms of DVT while traveling, one should seek the advice of a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent DVT - Photo by Ben Schuman

What are Ways to Lower the Risk of Traveler's Thrombosis?

Preventing blood clots can be serious business due to the potentially devastating outcome possible with this condition. Here are a few preventive tips:

• Get regular check-ups – your healthcare provider can keep track of your individual risk factors and discuss a care plan appropriate for your unique situation. A physician might prescribe preventive medications or compression hose for traveling if warranted.
• Take medications as prescribed and pack an adequate supply while traveling – plan to carry medications with you if flying rather than packing with checked luggage. If your luggage gets lost, at least you will have important medications with you. Be careful with eating habits while traveling if you are taking blood thinners that are affected by vitamin K in particular.
• Regularly exercise your legs and feet – stand up and walk every hour (or at intervals suggested by a healthcare provider) if possible or perform leg exercises while seated if walking is not possible. Readers may wish to read this article with simple seated leg exercises.
• Choose loose and comfortable clothing for traveling.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids while traveling.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle to control weight, avoid cigarette smoke, and achieve a healthy blood pressure.

Taking steps to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or to identify symptoms early could potentially save a person's life or help one to receive needed medical care to help prevent complications on vacation or at home.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions regarding your health.

Readers may also wish to read:

• How to Make a Road Trip With Kids Less Stressful
• Super Simple Travel Games With Kids: Punchbug!

Find additional health-related articles at Katrena's Fit Tips 4 Life site map or more of Katrena's travel articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) accessed on 11/14/13.
• Mayo Clinic January 19, 2013 articles Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Risk Factors and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms accessed on 11/14/13.
• National Institutes of Health article How Can Deep Vein Thrombosis be Prevented? accessed on 11/14/13.
• National Institutes of Health article Traveler's thrombosis: a systematic review accessed on 11/8/13.
• PreventDVT web site accessed on 11/14/13.