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Query: UMLS:C0149871 (deep vein thrombosis)
 12,364 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Pulmonary embolism is common cause of morbidity and mortality in immobile patients. Approximately 100 years ago,Virchow described a classical triad of local trauma to the vessel wall, hypercoagulability and stasis as cause of venous thromboembolism. Also prolonged travel is a risk factor for venous thromboembolic disease. The sitting position is caused by venous stasis and increased blood viscosity in the legs. The vessel lesions due to compression by the seat have been suggested as a cause of thrombosis. Addition in air travel relative hypoxia in the cabin of airplane reduces fibrinolytic activity and may lead to release of vein wall relaxin factors. Protective measures should include general advice to all passengers to avoid excess alcohol and caffeine, drink plenty of water and perform leg stretching exercises. Those with risk factors for deep vein thrombosis should carried out additional protective measures such as aspirin or low molecular weight heparin.
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PMID:[Travel and pulmonary thromboembolism]. 1514 81

"Economy class syndrome" made headline news in Australia when young girl died from blood clot caused by deep vein thrombosis shortly after getting off a Sydney to London flight. Although medical research is yet to prove a link between long distance travelling and DVT, consumers sholud take precautions. Pain and swelling in one leg is usually the first sign of a DTV, although sometimes there won, t be any symptoms. In one to two percent of cases the blood clot can break away from the vein and travel to other major organs. If it s big enough it may cause breathing problems (pulmonary embolism), and in rare cases--around one in a thousand people with a DVT-death. During the flight: Change your position regularly and be aware of positions which might block your circulation. Regular excercise will help restore blood flow to your legs if you've been sitting for long period of time or in an awkward position. Dehydratation can cause the blood to thiceken. Alcohol and caffeine are known diuretics which may accentuate the effect of dry cabin air and immobility on blood flow. Drink 200 mls (a standards glass) of non-alcoholic fluids every hour and use the need to go to the toilet as an opportunity to change your posture.
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PMID:[The effects of physical therapy in prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the "syndrome of economy class"]. 1652 31