Can you get blood clots from flying in an airplane?

Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.



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Even if you travel a long distance, the risk of developing a blood clot is generally very small. Your level of risk depends on the duration of travel as well as whether you have any other risks for blood clots.

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After the flight If you have travelled by air you should be alert for the symptoms of DVT for up to one month after flying, and should seek medical help if any symptoms such as a swollen or painful leg, especially the calf, and/or breathing difficulties occur.

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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel
  1. Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
  2. Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
  3. Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.


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Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended.

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Air travel increases the risk of developing blood clots in the veins of the legs, which can then enter the bloodstream and block an artery in the lungs, a condition called pulmonary embolism. In some cases, the opening can allow the blood clot to enter the arteries of the brain, causing a stroke.

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Aspirin? Taking 75mg (a quarter of a normal 300mg tablet) some hours before your flight may reduce your chances of a DVT slightly (but remember that Aspirin can sometimes cause indigestion in people with a tendency to it, if in doubt ask your GP);

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Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots. Taking aspirin to prevent blood clots when traveling is not recommended. If you take aspirin for other reasons, check with your doctor.

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The 16 Best and Worst Foods to Eat Before Flying
  • High Salt Snacks. Chips and other salty snacks are generally packed for long trips. ...
  • Fried Foods. Fried foods are also high fat foods, which tend to take longer to digest compared to others. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Spicy Foods. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Cruciferous Veggies. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Carbonated Drinks.


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recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing. breathlessness at rest. unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)

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