Sitting in economy class for too long may lead to sudden death? Beware of "economy class syndrome" during the Spring Festival travel rush!

Spring Festival travel

People who travel far away need to pay attention

Beware of "Economy Class Syndrome"

Economy class syndrome doesn't just happen in economy class

It's not just about flying.

It's a pronoun

Long ride

Airplanes, trains, cars and other transportation

All of these may lead to "economy class syndrome"

What is "Economy Class Syndrome"?

How can we prevent it?

What is "Economy Class Syndrome"?

"Economy class syndrome" is medically classified as a disease caused by deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs .
When traveling long distances in a relatively closed vehicle, if you sit still for a long time , the blood return to the veins of both lower limbs will be slow and stagnant, which can easily lead to deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs.

Image source: Shenzhen Health Commission

When you start to move after sitting for a long time, the detached blood clots will flow back along the veins. As the blood vessels in the lungs become thinner and thinner, the blood clots will eventually block the blood vessels in the lungs . At this time, the patient will experience emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain , etc., and in severe cases, it can lead to death .

Three people in Dongguan died of "economy class syndrome" when returning to work!

According to the Guangzhou Daily, on the way back to work after the Spring Festival holiday last year, many patients in Dongguan, Guangdong, suffered from "economy class syndrome" due to long-term car rides. Three of them unfortunately died. The continuous car ride time was 20 to 30 hours .

If unexplained pain and swelling suddenly occur in the legs , you should seek medical attention immediately. Before receiving a clear diagnosis, the patient should minimize activity and avoid massage or hot compresses to avoid causing blood clots to fall off.

If you experience difficulty breathing, coughing, hemoptysis, chest pain , etc., it is very likely that pulmonary embolism has occurred. At this time, you must quickly call 120 emergency number and seek medical treatment.

Which groups of people are most susceptible to “Economy Class Syndrome”?

People who frequently take airplanes and other forms of transportation;

People who are bedridden, sit quietly, or lack exercise for a long time;

People who smoke;

People who have heavy loads on their lower limbs due to their heavy body weight;

People who drink a lot before taking an airplane or a long-distance car, those with a history of thrombosis, abnormal coagulation function, those who have recently undergone foot surgery or foot fractures, pregnant women, etc.

How to prevent "economy class syndrome"?

It’s very simple, just four words: move, drink, wear and take medicine .

move

Try to avoid sitting in the same position for a long time. You can move your feet or legs regularly and do lower limb exercises such as "knee lifts, ankle pumps, toe rolls, and chest presses".

drink

Drinking more water can dilute the viscous blood . At the same time, you can passively change your sitting posture by drinking water and going to the toilet frequently, such as sitting, standing, or walking, killing two birds with one stone.

wear

Try to avoid wearing overly tight clothes, shoes and socks, and wear loose and comfortable clothes. People at high risk can choose to wear elastic stockings , which can help reduce the formation of lower extremity venous thrombosis.

medicine

Patients with thrombotic diseases and hypercoagulability need to choose to take some anticoagulant drugs according to their own disease conditions.

Finally, I would like to remind you

The key to preventing "economy class syndrome" is prevention

Long car or plane rides

Be sure to increase the duration and frequency of activities

Don't overindulge in the Spring Festival.

Playing cards, watching TV, etc.

Long-term sitting entertainment!