Immobilization
In case of prolonged immobilization during flight, blood congestion occurs in the vessels called deep veins, especially in the deep veins of legs, which carry blood to the heart, since healthy blood circulation cannot be maintained. Prolonged blood congestion may result in thrombosis therein. This may be observed in the passengers travelling by train, car, bus and aircraft for a prolonged time and it is called travel thrombosis ( clot formation ). This is related with prolonged immobilization and prolonged sitting, and it does not only pertain to air travel.
Travel Thrombosis may cause leg pain and/or leg swelling, which may continue for days and weeks after the travel, and it is not that much hazardous. These blood clots, which are called Deep vein thromboses, do not pose serious problems for health unless they do not travel in the body. However, some blood clots rarely dislodge and travel to heart and then lungs, and this may cause a dangerous condition called Pulmonary Embolism. This may be dangerous to the extent of threatening life by causing embolism (blockage in artery) in the lungs and prevention of returning clean blood to the heart.
In order to prevent deep vein thrombosis, passengers should pay attention to some issues especially during long distance flights.
It is important for passengers to ,
Wear loose and comfortable clothes, underwear, socks and shoes; avoid tight clothes which may interrupt blood circulation,
Never place something underneath the seat in front during flight,
Drink especially water and juices. Avoid drinking alcohol, tea, coke and other drinks containing caffeine as much as possible,
Walk around in the cabin at periodic intervals ( such as 60-90 minutes) as much as possible,
Ones who have cardiovascular disease, cancer or thrombosis, must definitely consult with their physician, in order to not to experience such kind of problem.