What happens if you fly with a blood clot?
What happens if you fly with a blood clot? Flights lasting 8 to 10 hours or longer pose the greatest risk. In some cases, the DVT will dissolve and go away on its own. However, in more serious cases, it can cause pain, swelling, and warmth of the affected leg, or it can break off and travel to the blood vessels of your lungs, causing pulmonary embolism (PE).
Can you fly with a blood clot?
A person should avoid flying if they have a newly diagnosed DVT due to the risk of related complications during travel, such as part of it breaking free. Healthcare professionals recommend waiting up to 4 weeks from the start of treatment for DVT before traveling.
Does airplane pressure affect blood clots?
Just as water doesn't flow easily through a kinked-up garden hose, blood can't flow as well through a vein that has a kink. On top of that, changes in air pressure inside the airplane cabin cut down the amount of oxygen you breathe in. Low oxygen in your blood can also make blood clots more likely to form.
How long after a flight does DVT develop?
DVT or PE may manifest during or shortly after the flight, but often not for several weeks. Prevention includes choosing aisle seating, maintaining hydration, walking frequently, wearing loose clothing, exercising the lower extremities, using a foot rest, and avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills.
What medications disqualify you from flying?
- Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan.
- Most antidepressants. ...
- Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
- Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril.
What is the best way to avoid blood clots while flying?
- Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
- Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
- Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.