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Our domestic air-carrier Indian Airlines has just announced a scheme wherein by logging a certain number of miles on the domestic circuit makes you eligible for a foreign air trip. Perhaps many of the jet-set executives would take the cue and start logging their air miles. But mind you! Long haul flights and especially the economy class air travel is fraught with danger to your well being. So before you embark 

on your next air trip take care of some vital aspects.

In October last Emma Christofferson, 28-year-old British woman amateur athlete died while claiming her baggage at London's Heathrow Airport. She was returning from a 15-hour flight from Sydney, Australia, where she had attended the Olympic Games.

Investigations revealed that physically fit, a non-smoker and with no earlier history of any major disease, Emma died due to a blood clot in her lower limbs.

Dubbed "economy-class syndrome" and technically called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) this condition involves clotting of blood in deep veins, usually in the legs. Generally these clots form in the veins of the lower limbs after a long period of inactivity and can partially or completely block the blood flow in the vein. In many cases the pain or symptoms of the clot formation may arise several hours or days after the air trip.

The most serious risk of clot formation is when a clot travels to the lungs. Once in the lungs, the clot can cause death. DVT may also cause chronic pain and swelling in the affected leg. There have been cases of stroke resulting from a DVT as the clot becomes mobile and travels to the brain.

It is not that only air travel can lead to DVT, long periods of inactivity in trains, buses or cars or even at your office desk also are linked to blood clot formation. Pregnancy and obesity heighten the risk of DVT. Certain drugs, smoking, heavy drinking and sedentary living also make one more prone to the risk of DVT. People with varicose veins or cancer, people with recent bed rest or recent general anaesthesia are more at risk. Even those whose feet don't reach the floor, the elderly and those with a predisposition to coronary heart diseases are prone to DVT.

The reading may be scary, but it is not that you cannot prevent DVT. Very simple steps can make your air journey safe and healthy. These precautions should be followed even when you are travelling by train, bus or car.

• While you are still at the airport, stand as much as possible before you board your flight. Walk up and down the terminal.

• Once you are on board, sit so that your legs are as unconstricted as possible. Don't cross your legs or sit on the edge of your seat as these positions can reduce blood flow in the legs.

• Limit carry on luggage so that there is plenty of leg room. Obtain a seat with as much leg room as possible.

• See that the space underneath the seat in front of you is empty for optimum leg room. While seated, massage feet, ankles, lower legs, and knees, and exercise calf muscles by clenching your toes, to stimulate blood circulation.

• During the flight, get up and move around as much as possible. Do seat exercises, such as ankle rolls and toe pointing. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Get up and move about periodically.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sleeping pills before or during the flight. Avoid long periods of sleep during the flight. Drink enough water during the journey so that you remain hydrated.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid stockings or socks with tight elastic below the knees.

• Before you start your journey, talk to your doctor about taking aspirin and other blood thinning drugs.

Doctors suggest that all the airlines should provide in-flight videos and pamphlets explaining exercises that passengers can do to reduce their risk of suffering Economy Class Syndrome. How do you recognise that you are possibly suffering from Economy Class Syndrome (DVT)? In case you experience pain and warmth or prickly skin sensation in the lower limbs or your feet or legs have swollen up it could be an indication of DVT.

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