“A to Z from Our Family Medicine Doctors at UT East Texas” column
Published Wednesday, July 11, 2018, in the Gladewater Mirror
By: Sahar Jamalyaria, DO
Whether by plane, train, ship, or car, going on vacation is a traditional summer delight. But before taking off, know how to protect your health during lengthy travel times.
When you sit for a long time, with little opportunity to get up and walk around, your risk for developing a blood clot – a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) – increases. Such a blood clot in the deep vein of your leg can back up blood flow there.
DVT symptoms include swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness in the affected leg. Other signs are skin that looks pale, blue, or feels cold to the touch, as well as numbness or tingling.
If you have these symptoms, see your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Blood clots can be dangerous if they travel to other parts of the body, like the lungs, so it’s important to treat them as soon as possible.
Factors that increase the risk of developing a DVT are sitting for long periods, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, cancer, heart failure, kidney problems, and certain medications such as birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, erythropoietin, or thalidomide. Your risk also rises as you age.
The best way to prevent them is to keep moving; stand up and walk every hour or two. Do not smoke just before your trip; wear loose, comfortable clothes; exercise your legs and feet often while seated.
Also, drink plenty of fluids, wear knee-high compression stockings, and avoid alcohol and medicines that make you sleepy. They can impair your ability to move around.
Don’t let a blood clot spoil your summer vacation. Keep this information in mind and enjoy your next big trip into that great, big world out there.