Common Ailments

DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can happen if the vein is damaged or if the flow of blood slows down or stops. About one in 2,000 people in the UK develops a DVT each year.

In a DVT, a clot will form and may become very large before it breaks loose into the bloodstream. If it does come loose, it will be carried quickly by the movement of blood into the larger leg veins. From there it will be carried up into the heart then the lung where it will impact, blocking the blood flow.  

This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolism can cause breathlessness, chest pain and in severe cases, collapse. Both DVT and PE, whatever the cause, are serious conditions and need urgent investigation and treatment.

Symptoms of DVT can include swelling, pain, tenderness and redness especially at the back of the leg below the knee. The pain may be made worse by bending the foot upwards towards the knee. DVT usually, though not always, affects one leg.

In some cases there may be no signs or symptoms of DVT at all in the legs and problems only become obvious when a pulmonary embolism develops. Anyone who develops swelling or pain in the leg or breathing problems should seek medical advice urgently.

Certain factors make DVT more likely to occur. They are more common in people aged 40+ and in people who are obese or who have already had a DVT.

Other factors include:

• Prolonged bed rest (immobility)
• Major injuries or paralysis
• Surgery, especially on the hips or knees
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Women who are taking the contraceptive pill
• Women on hormone replacement therapy
• Other circulation or heart problems

There have been several reports of people suffering with DVT on long-haul flights. With these journeys, a person's movement is limited and the circulation of blood can slow down, thus making it easier for clots to form. People are also more likely to become dehydrated because of the dry atmosphere in airplanes. Dehydration can make the blood become thicker than normal, slowing its circulation and increasing the risk of clots forming.

TREATMENT

Common treatment is with anticoagulants (blood thinning medicines), which reduce the blood’s tendency to clot. These are usually taken for several months.

Aspirin in low doses also acts as a blood thinning drug but its benefit in preventing DVT is debatable. Always ask your Pharmacist before taking aspirin.

COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

To help relieve pain and swelling your Numark Pharmacist can recommend wearing elastic compression stockings, which are tighter at the foot than higher up the leg. These reduce the risk of developing DVT.

PREVENTION

These are a number of measures you can take to help prevent a DVT:

• Exercise the legs regularly
• Keep legs uncrossed
• Maintain a weight that's appropriate for your height
• Avoid sitting or lying in bed for long periods of time
• Place a cushion under your feet while resting or sleeping so that the feet are raised higher than the hips

During long-distance travel, especially long-haul flights:

• Perform foot exercises, rotating the ankles and wiggling the toes while seated every half-hour or so during the flight
• Take occasional short walks, when in-flight advice suggests that this is safe
• Wear loose fitting clothes
• Drink plenty of water
• Be sensible with alcohol; excessive amounts lead to dehydration
• Wear compression stockings

For more advice about Deep Vein Thrombosis consult your Numark Pharmacist.