Economy Class Syndrome Questions and AnswersSupport Hose Store™Economy Class Syndrome (ECS) / Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)Q&A Q: What is “Economy Class Syndrome” (ECS)? A: “Economy Class Syndrome” is a term used to describe the swollen, fatigued and aching leg symptoms that air travelers or air passengers encounter during long trips. It is also associated with a serious leg condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Crowded, cramped conditions and limited physical activity during travel increase the risks for ECS and DVT. Q: What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? A: Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition that results when a blood clot forms in the deep vein system of the body, usually occurring in the legs. DVT can strike people who are in good health, with relatively little warning. However, obesity, pregnancy, chronic heart disease, use of hormone medications, malignancies,history of blood clots, varicose veins, and recent trauma or surgery may increase a person’s risk for DVT. Travelers should ask a physician if they are predisposed to any risk factors for DVT. During prolonged periods of inactivity when the legs are in a restricted position, the effects of gravity make it difficult for the blood in the veins of the legs to return to the heart. Activity of the calf muscles is needed to contract and pump blood up the legs back to the heart. Without this activity, blood can pool in the legs, causing swelling and leg discomfort, and may lead to the development of a blood clot in a deep vein – deep vein thrombosis. Q: What are the symptoms of ECS and DVT? A: Symptoms of ECS include discomfort, swelling, and fatigue of the leg. A DVT in the leg is often “silent” and is not recognized until a part of the clot breaks free and migrates to the heart or lung where chest discomfort and coughing often result. Q: Are the effects of DVT serious? A: The effects of DVT can be very serious if a blood clot, or part of the blood clot, dislodges, and travels through the blood stream lodging itself in a vital organ or the lung. There it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can lead to death. Q: Am I at risk for DVT? A: Although DVT can strike individuals who are in good health with relatively little warning, there are people who are at greater risk for developing the condition. Obesity, pregnancy, chronic heart disease, hypercoagulability, use of hormone medications, malignancies, and recent trauma or surgery may increase a person’s risk for DVT. Speak with your primary care physician if you think you are at risk. Q: Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk for ECS and DVT? A: To reduce the risk for ECS and DVT while traveling, physicians recommend wearing gradient compression hosiery to improve blood circulation in the legs. Other simple steps air travelers can take to reduce their risk for ECS and DVT include staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol; getting up, stretching and walking around the plane; wearing loose-fitting clothing; and stretching and exercising legs when restricted to your seat. Q: How does gradient compression therapy work? A: Gradient compression socks or stockings, such as Jobst Gradient Compression Hosiery, deliver pressure at the ankle that gradually decreases as it extends up the leg, helping to assist the calf muscle move blood back to the heart. This activity reduces blood pooling that causes swelling and discomfort of the legs. Q: Why should travelers choose Jobst Gradient Compression Hosiery? A: To prevent leg discomfort, men and women should wear medical-level gradient compression hosiery, such as Jobst Gradient Compression Hosiery, which offers the most accurate fit based on ankle and calf circumferences. Proper fit guarantees delivery of the most precise and effective gradient compression profile to the legs. Q: Aren’t gradient compression socks and stockings difficult to put on and generally unattractive? A: A common misconception is that gradient compression hosiery must be made of thick, unattractive fabric that is difficult to put on, in order to be medically effective. Unlike compression stockings or socks from the past, Jobst Gradient Compression Hosiery is made of sheer, attractive fabric, offering women and men fashionable hosiery and socks for business and casual dress in a variety of easy-to-wear styles and colors. Jobst Hosiery offers consumers an effective yet economical and fashionable solution for helping to manage ECS and DVT. |
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