If you’re beginning to yearn for an overseas adventure, or are starting to plan for the trip of a lifetime, it’s important to heed a few tips so that you land in great health before packing your bags.
Research reveals travelling for more than eight hours at a time places you at heightened risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) which, if unmanaged, can be life-threatening.
VTE is a combination of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when an abnormal clot forms in veins that exist deep within your body and, a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels up into your lungs, blocking the pulmonary artery which can lead to heart attack or stroke.
The likelihood of experiencing VTE increases with distance travelled, and unlike many other illnesses, VTE does not discriminate. So no matter how fit and well you are, you are not immune to developing VTE.
Nonetheless, there are a few ways to help prevent VTE that you can practice while travelling.
Most importantly, you need to move. Stand up if possible, and stretch your legs as much as you can during a flight.
Secondly, walk up and down the aisle of a plane, and allow your legs to pump blood around your body.
If possible, avoid taking a sleep tablet because sleep will most likely render your legs immobile which leads to less blood being pumped around your body, subsequently increasing your risk of experiencing a clot.
Finally, stay hydrated and try to avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption on flights to minimise your risk of developing VTE.
Writing the A to Z of How To Make Sure Your Travel Dream Does Not Turn Into a Nightmare, Australian travel doctor, Dr Deb Mills, Brisbane says, to prevent VTE, think of WALC;
- Water – drink a lot;
- Activity – move your legs, walk around and book an aisle seat;
- Luggage – don’t have anything pressing on your legs;
- Compression stockings may be recommended. Taking aspirin on board a plane is not the answer.
If you’re planning to travel overseas and are concerned about VTE, pop into your local Blooms The Chemist today to view our range of travel medicines, compression stockings, and to learn how you can work to prevent VTE while travelling long-haul.