How to avoid deep vein thrombosis when travelling
<p>Generally occurring in your leg, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in one of your deeper veins. In minor cases DVT causes pain and uncomfortable swelling, and can even lead to the occurrence of serious health complications.</p>
<p>Any form of travel that has you seated in the one position for an extended period increases your risk of DVT, whether you’re travelling by car, bus, train or air.</p>
<p>We’re going to take a look at some simple measures you can take when travelling to avoid DVT and make sure you remember your holiday for the right reasons.</p>
<p><strong>1. Stand up and move around</strong></p>
<p>Sitting in a position where your leg is bent for an extended period of time, significantly reduces blood flow and increases your risk of a clot. Something as simple as standing every now and then to walk up and down the aisle of your bus, train or plane can really help circulation. If you’re driving, stop every couple of hours for a quick stroll.</p>
<p><strong>2. Compression socks</strong></p>
<p>If you have a history of DVT, it might be an idea to invest in some fitted compression socks. These useful leggings help improve the blood flow in your lower leg. Compressions socks are available in a variety of different sizes so you can figure out the best one to suit your circumstances depending on where you suffered blood clots in the past.</p>
<p><strong>3. Blood thinning medication</strong></p>
<p>This is for more serious cases of course, but if you’re highly concerned about the occurrence of DVT on your next trip consider asking your doctor for blood thinning medication prior to your trip. This medication will generally reduce your blood’s ability to clot while travelling, while at the same time preventing existing clots from becoming bigger.</p>
<p><strong>4. Stay hydrated</strong></p>
<p>Dehydration can significantly increase your risk of coming down with DVT. This causes your blood volume to decrease and “thicken” significantly increasing the likelihood of a clot occurring. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while you’re on your trip and try to be mindful about the most of alcohol you’re consuming, as that can lead to dehydration.</p>
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