Ask Your Pharmacist

Question:

I am flying to the Europe for a backpacking trip and this is the first time I’m leaving the country. One of the things I am concerned about is economy class syndrome. Are there any preventive measures?

Answer:

‘Economy class syndrome’, known also as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), is a term used to describe the formation of blood clots in the deep veins resulting in poor blood flow. It develops after a passenger sits still for a long period of time, such as in a long-haul (more than 5 hours) flight. It also occurs in long-distance travels by trains, cars or coaches. Other risk factors include prolonged immobility (such as bed-rest), recent surgery, childbirth within the last 6 months and the use of medications containing female hormones (such as birth control pills)

Usually DVT strikes without any symptoms, but sometimes the patient may experience some pain or swelling of the calf or thigh in one leg. Occasionally, the blood clot could break off into smaller pieces to travel through the blood stream and block off circulation to the lungs. This may produce symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath and is potentially fatal.  

There is no need to take any medication to prevent DVT during a long flight. Wearing non-restrictive clothing and performing simple stretching exercises reduces immobility. Graduated compression stockings (exerting highest pressure at the ankle and reducing as it moves upwards) have also shown to be beneficial. These stockings come in different sizes and a pharmacist can help ensure that selection is made to optimise the individual fit for the patient.

Source: Choong Wei Sim, Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore

More information and advice can be obtained from your pharmacist. Send your questions to sthealth@sph.com.sg

References:

1.      Merck Medicus

http://merck.micromedex.com/index.asp?page=bpm_brief&article_id=BPM01CA07

2.      British Heart Foundation

http://www.bhf.org.uk/questions/index.asp?secondlevel=1162&thirdlevel=1320

3.      Practical Support for Clinical Governance (PRODIGY)

http://www.prodigy.nhs.uk/guidance.asp?gt=Deep%20vein%20thrombosis#Travel_related_DVT

4.      Www. Vascular.Co.Nz

http://www.vascular.co.nz/deep_venous_thrombosis.htm