Economy Class Syndrome

Prolonged immobilisation is the primary cause of lifestyle disease,Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is mainly a lifestyle disease and is also referred to as ‘Frequent Flier Disease’. People who travel frequently by air or car have to be immobile for hours and they can develop Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is also popularly called the ‘economy class syndrome’. Talking about the disease,Dr Ravindra L Kulkarni,cardiologist,says,“Individuals above the age of 40 years are at a high risk of DVT if they have prolonged immobilisation due to extensive travelling,bed rest,and the like. It is another danger of the present day lifestyle where people lead a sedentary life and immobilisation only makes it worse.” In extreme cases,DVT may also cause strokes. About its prevention,Dr Kulkarni further adds,“While in a long distance air travel or car travel,move your legs often. If you are already at a high risk for blood clots,you should consult your doctor.” Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot (thrombus) can block blood flow and cause swelling and pain. To prevent DVT,one can wear compression stockings during a journey that is longer than eight hours. “Even when you are sitting in office with little leg space for a long time,the blood movement slows down. Even this can lead to clotting. Thickening of blood should also be avoided by keeping the body sufficiently hydrated,” says Dr Kulkarni.

The symptoms of DVT include sudden swelling of mainly the feet,calf and thigh,and discolouration and ulcers in the leg. “A blood test,Doppler ultrasound and a CT venogram can detect DVT,” adds Dr Kulkarni. The treatment involves taking anticoagulants for three months or so. In some cases,clot dissolving medication (lytics) or mechanical clot removal (catheter thrombectomy) may be required.