Health Concerns for Long Distance Travel
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009
Long distance travel can be hazardous to your health. It can increase the chance of blood clots by as a much as three fold. Researchers believe that the increase in risk is proportionate to the length of the trip. Usually the blood clots occur in the legs and then can dislodge and travel up to the lungs which could cause a fatal condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Tips to Help Avoid Problems during Travel
Know the symptoms - blood clots usually come with symptoms like pain or warmth in the area or swelling and redness in the limb. A blood clot that has traveled up to the lungs may cause symptoms like shortness of breath or even coughing up blood.
Get moving - blood clots are often caused by prolong sitting. Getting up and moving around so that the legs have a chance to stretch could help to reduce the chance of blood clots.
Stay hydrated - getting plenty of fluids is good for any situation and will have the added benefit of forcing you to get up and at least walk the distance to the bathroom on a regular basis.
Avoid sedatives and alcohol - artificial relaxation could make you more immobile than you would naturally be otherwise.
Know the risks - certain people are more at risk of blood clots than others. Women on oral contraceptives, certain genetic conditions and obesity are just a few of the conditions that can make blood clots more likely during long distance travel. Check with your doctor before you make your travel arrangements.
Experts say that the over all risk to the average traveler is still low but some recent reports show that travelers were three times more likely to have blood clots than non-travelers. Long distance travel increased the odds by around 18% for each hour in the air.
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