He economy class syndrome consists of the formation of clots in the deep veins of the legs, giving rise to a deep vein thrombosisand this is one of the health risks during a long plane trip, as warned by specialists from HM Hospitales.
This term was coined in the 90swhen an increase in symptoms of venous thrombosis was identified in passengers taking long-haul economy class flights. However, it was later proven that this condition This may affect passengers travelling in classes other than economy.
The internal medicine specialist at HM Regla Hospital, Yolanda Martínez Pinto, explained that one of the The greatest danger is that one of these thrombi will break away from the original place where it was created.travel along the circulatory system and reach a pulmonary artery, obstructing it and leaving part of the lung without blood supply, which would cause pulmonary thromboembolism. “It can lead to death for those who suffer from it.” he warned.
The reason why they can The formation of clots in the veins of the legs during a long-distance flight is the unergonomic posture of the traveler.conditioned mainly by the scarcity of space. In prolonged sitting and with little space to move the legs, the massage that the muscles normally exert on the veins is practically non-existent, making it difficult for blood to return from the veins of the legs to the heart. Some Experts also pointed to poor hydration and special circumstances of pressure and oxygen. which occur on board aircraft as other possible triggers of this pathology.
In addition to the dtravel time and seat spacingOther risk factors include congenital coagulation disorders, having undergone major surgery in the weeks before travel, being elderly, smoking, being obese, taking oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, being pregnant, and having varicose veins and venous insufficiency of the lower limbs.
What to do to avoid economy class syndrome
To prevent the economy class syndromeMartinez Pinto has recommended:
- Get up and walk around the cabin every one to two hours.
- Choose wide seats and, if possible, aisle seats.
- Do not wear tight clothing.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Do not wear crossed legs.
- Do ankle and knee flexion-extension exercises while riding.
- It is advisable to avoid hypnotic drugs, as they increase immobility.
- Do not consume alcohol, which promotes dehydration.
- Similarly, when you have a personal history of poor circulation, it is advisable to use gradually increasing compression stockings or socks.
What are the symptoms of economy class syndrome?
If despite these precautionsyou experience calf or thigh pain, swelling, general symptoms of fever, rapid pulse, shortness of breath or chest pain, Whether during the flight, immediately after or after several days or weeks, you must go to a health center.
