Economy Class Syndrome
By Dr. Valter Castelli Jr.
WHAT IS IT?
It is when blood coagulates inside the veins, especially in the legs of persons who travel by air for a long period (over 4 h).
WHY DOES IT OCCUR?
The explanation for this kind of occurrence is due especially to the fact that persons remain immobilized, sitting in a limited space without much of a chance to move about. For blood to circulate in the veins, it is very important to contract the legs' muscles, which work by "massaging" the blood in the veins in an ascending direction towards the heart and the lungs.
DOES THIS OCCUR ONLY WITH THOSE TO TRAVEL BY PLANE?
This is not specific to those who travel by plane, but the same may occur when traveling by car, bus or train, provided it is for long periods without a chance to walk.
WHO ARE THE MOST EXPOSED PERSONS?
An utmost attention must be given to aged, obese people, to those with previous cardiac arrest or carriers of pulmonary diseases, with exuberant varices in their lower limbs, persons submitted to significant recent (last 30 days) surgeries and those who present blood clotting problems and even use drugs containing a big amount of female hormone.
WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SHOULD WE TAKE?
Wearing medical graduated compression stockings (elastic stockings with light or medium compression) is very useful, as they favor, according to scientific proof, better venous blood flow, avoiding blood stasis.
It is also recommended that while traveling the feet and legs be frequently moved (flexions), that alcohol be avoided, since, besides causing drowsiness and increasing diuresis (higher urine volume), it may increase blood viscosity (blood thickening). The ingestion of non-alcoholic liquids frequently contributes positively in prevention.