Pulmonary Embolism: How to Protect Yourself During Flights

Pulmonary embolism refers to a condition where a blood clot blocks out blood flow to an artery in the lungs, causing issues with blood flow and oxygen levels in the lungs. Common symptoms include sudden shortness of breath and wheezing.

Flight is a risk factor for this condition, and it is a concern for many expats and travelers. Hence, his Pacific Prime article will discuss pulmonary embolism, its causes and symptoms, and how you can prevent yourself from developing the condition while in flight.

What is Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) refers to a blood clot in one of the lungs’ blood vessels which happens when another blood clot in another part of the body (usually arms or legs) moves through the veins to the lungs.

This condition restricts blood flow to the lungs, which lowers oxygen levels in the lungs and increases blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Without quick treatment, pulmonary embolism can damage your lungs or put strain on your heart, and result in heart failure. Depending on the size of the clot, it can be fatal.

Symptoms

The first signs of pulmonary embolism usually include chest pains and shortness of breath that worsen through self-exertion or taking deep breaths. Depending on the size of the clot, specific symptoms can vary, but the following are the general symptoms of pulmonary embolism:

• Sudden shortness of breath (regardless of whether you’re at rest or active).
• Rapid breathing and wheezing.
• Sharp pain in the chest, arm, neck, shoulder, jaw, or back (similar to symptoms of a heart attack), which can worsen when taking deep breaths.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Coughing with or without bloody mucus.
• Pale skin.
• Excessive sweating.
• (In some cases) Anxiety, lightheadedness, or fainting.

If left untreated, symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be fatal, and it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect any of the aforementioned symptoms. Prompt medical attention is the key to reducing the likelihood of more severe symptoms or death from pulmonary embolism.

Causes

Pulmonary embolism is primarily caused by blood accumulation in a certain part of the body (usually arms or legs) due to prolonged periods of inactivity such as bed rest, post-surgery, or, in this case, sitting throughout a long plane ride.

In long-distance flights, the risk of getting a blood clot during or shortly after the flight is three times higher. Remaining seated for prolonged periods of time is one main reason you could develop a blood clot during a long-distance flight.

Additionally, when you’re on a plane, you’re sitting in an area with reduced air pressure, which causes you to take in less oxygen when breathing. Other causes include vein injury from surgeries or cardiovascular diseases.

Are You at Risk?

There are many risk factors for developing pulmonary embolism, the most common of which are a family history of blood clots, heart failure, heart attack, or strokes. Other risk factors include cancer and diabetes, being 60 years or older, obesity, and smoking.

Prevention

While symptoms of pulmonary embolism are serious, especially when you’re remaining seated for prolonged periods of time on a plane, there are methods to prevent the blood clots, lowering your risk of developing the condition.

If possible, get up and walk around every two or three hours throughout the duration of the flight so you can squeeze in some simple activity to break up the prolonged cycle of inactivity.

When sitting, you can also exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs by raising and lowering your heels or toes while keeping your toes and heels on the floor, respectively. You can also alternate between tightening and loosening your leg muscles.

Additionally, when sitting on the plane, avoid crossing your legs and refrain from wearing tight-fitting clothing on the day of the flight. Be sure to also drink plenty of fluids while limiting caffeine and alcohol.

Before your flight, if you have any of the aforementioned risk factors of pulmonary embolism, you can also discuss with your doctor about wearing compression stockings or medication recommendations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while symptoms of pulmonary embolism are serious, especially when you’re remaining seated for prolonged periods of time on a plane, you can prevent them by simply incorporating little bits of physical activity here and there throughout the duration of the flight.

As symptoms can be dangerous and healthcare abroad can be costly, we do highly recommend that you secure travel insurance. Having a travel insurance plan in hand will help cover healthcare expenses should you end up sick during your vacation abroad. Additionally, a travel insurance policy can also cover luggage and item loss as well as flight delays and cancellations.

About Pacific Prime

Pacific Prime offers various insurance plans to choose from, such as travel insurance, as well as individual and family health insurance. We are more than happy to help you find a suitable health insurance plan that matches your specific needs and your budget.

If you would like to secure insurance plans or if you have any further questions, please feel free to get in touch with us and get a free quote today.

Disclaimer: Pacific Prime solely represents, operates, and manages locally regulated insurance products and services in the territory of PR China. Any references to Pacific Prime Global Company or Group, the international services, insurance products or otherwise stated written or verbally, are for introduction purposes about our overseas network only as each entity is fully independent.