Beware of Economy Class Syndrome

Planning a trip this summer? Keep your blood circulating and your limbs flexible to avoid being affected with a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Characterized by stiff throbbing limbs and numb lifeless feet, this condition is popularly dubbed the Economy Class syndrome. This is because the Economy classes in most long haul flights are cramped with minimal leg space and you are forced to sit in that position for hours. DVT can occur when you travel by car or bus, are confined to your bed and even when you sit at your office desk with restricted movement through the day. All this can hamper circulation and increase your tendency to develop dangerous blood clots

“The most serious complication of DVT is a condition that is medically known as pulmonary embolism. This is life-threatening and must be treated immediately,” says Dr Sunder Valliappan, a physician at St Isabelle’s Hospital, Chennai. “This condition may occur after you spend long hours with minimal movement. This can cause a blood clot to form and break free from the walls of the vein. The blood clot can travel throughout the body and position itself in such a way that it blocks strategic spots, impeding vital functions. For instance, the clot can travel to the lungs and block the arteries there, putting you at risk to respiratory arrest in a matter of minutes.”

Know your risk

While this condition can affect anyone, some people are at higher risk than others. Pregnant women for instance are more prone to DVT. “During pregnancy, because of the secretion of the hormone progesterone, the body has an increased tendency to form clots. If you have a family history, you should be especially cautious,” says Dr Hema Sivakumar, gynaecologist at Preeti hospitals, Madurai. “This is why we advise all post-operative patients to do passive physiotherapy—lifting their upper and lower limbs periodically to prevent circulatory trouble while they are confined to bed. They are also advised to walk on the second day, or as soon as possible.” This is also the case for high risk pregnancies where women are advised bed rest. If you tend to travel on long haul flights often, your jet setting lifestyle may put you at higher risk too. During air travel, altitude accelerates the rate at which blood tends to clot and inactivity and confinement slows circulation, especially in the calf portion of your leg. According to statistical data released by Airhealth.org, five per cent of air travellers develop clots but these aren’t just elderly people --80 per cent of them are actually below 50 years. DVT affects athletes as well, since they are prone to extreme activity. Athletic training, especially training for marathons and other endurance sports can cause minor bruising that can trigger blood clots. Kick boxing also produces such injuries. Cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity are other factors that put you at risk. “Tell your doctor that you suspect DVT if you experience pain in the lower legs (the calf portion), followed by swelling below the knee,” says Dr Sunder.

Take action

The good news is that DVT can easily be prevented.

Frequent leg Flexing: This is the best way to prevent the formation of blood clots. Curl your toes often, stretch your legs and stand up for a short walk every 30-40 minutes, whether you are travelling, confined to the bed or working at your desk for long hours.

Replenish with fluids: Experts recommend drinking water (or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages) to avoid increased blood viscosity and improve circulation. Consuming sports drinks have proved to be the most effective at retaining low blood viscosity in clinical trials.

Don’t smoke: Smoking thickens the blood and increases the potential of clot formation.