Deep vein thrombosis: How long-haul flights can ruin more than your holiday

Those spending Christmas at home with family and friends can expect a lot of work especially0 in the kitchen. But those planning to go on an international trip for the holidays can be sure there is no avoiding the problems that go with long-haul flights.

While the dreariness of a long-haul flight can be easily remedied by movies and music which are readily available on the plane, there is never an easy solution to the potential health problems that could arise from sitting on a chair occupying a small space for hours. Unknown to many travelers, this could lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

ABC said Baker IDI Research Institute Deputy Director Professor Karlheinz Peter stressed the health risks of deep vein thrombosis for those taking long-haul flights of 12 hours or more. He said the risk is increased the longer the passenger is up in the air.

"They should put much more emphasis on saying, 'when you fly with us, especially these long-haul flights, then you should really look at mobilizing and, in between, stretching'," Professor Peter said.

Mayo Clinic said DVT is characterized by a blood clot which appears in the veins of the thigh or calf although there is actually no obvious sign of the clot which could lead to swelling, inflammation and pain. The more serious problem is that the clot can travel and cause pulmonary embolism once the main artery supplying blood to the lungs is blocked. DVT usually happens after surgery or other occasions when a person does not move the legs for a long time.

But Daily Mail said it is not just the leg that one should be worried about when one goes on a long-haul flight. Aside from deep vein thrombosis, one should also be worried about problems related to one's vision and hearing. The risk of catching a cold is also increased up in the air because of the confined space.