Economy class syndrome

Economy class syndrome
The formation of blood clots in veins deep within the legs — deep vein thrombosis — occurring during (or just after) a long airplane flight, especially in economy class (tourist class) where there is the least space allotted per passenger and ones legs tend especially to be immobilized for lack of leg room. The economy class syndrome is directly related to immobility for long periods during which blood pools in the legs, raising the risk of clot formation. The tendency to immobility is often compounded by the fasten-seat belt sign, the presence of carts in the aisles, etc. Other risk factors contributing to the syndrome include lower oxygen pressure and dehydration. Changes in oxygen pressure in the cabin tend to decrease the oxygen level in the blood. The air in the cabin lacks the normal degree of humidity which contributes to dehydration. The serving of coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages (all of which are diuretics) further causes passengers to become dehydrated. The economy class syndrome is not confined to that class on a plane. It is recommended that all persons traveling on air flights, irrespective of which class they are in, drink lots of water and move their legs by walking whenever possible and by periodically flexing and extending their ankles, knees, and hips to minimize the risk of economy class syndrome. Deep vein thrombosis is potentially serious and can even have fatal consequences.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • Economy class syndrome — is the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in air travelers.cite journal |author=Philbrick JT, Shumate R, Siadaty MS, Becker DM |title=Air travel and venous thromboembolism: a systematic review |journal=Journal of general internal medicine :… …   Wikipedia

  • economy class syndrome — UK US noun [uncountable] informal deep vein thrombosis Thesaurus: specific medical conditionshyponym general words for illnesses, diseases and medical conditionssynonym * * * eˈconomy class syndrome 7 [economy class syndrome …   Useful english dictionary

  • economy-class syndrome — noun An informal name for ↑deep vein thrombosis (see under ↑deep) • • • Main Entry: ↑economy …   Useful english dictionary

  • economy class syndrome — (i.CON.uh.mee clas sin.drum, drohm) n. A form of phlebitis in which a blood clot forms in the lower leg after prolonged immobility in a cramped space. Example Citation: In fact, phlebitis is quite common, the result of immobility because of an… …   New words

  • economy-class syndrome — N UNCOUNT Economy class syndrome is a serious medical condition caused by blood clots in the legs moving up to the lungs; used especially in connection with long haul flights. Lemon juice can help to prevent economy class syndrome by improving… …   English dictionary

  • economy class syndrome — e conomy class .syndrome n [U] BrE a serious illness in which people get blood ↑clots because they have been sitting for a long time in a very small space on a plane →↑DVT …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • economy class syndrome — e conomy class ,syndrome noun uncount INFORMAL DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • economy class syndrome — noun Colloquial deep vein thrombosis resulting from immobility during a long flight in an aeroplane. {from the comparative lack of space available to stretch one s legs when travelling economy class, a factor thought to increase the risk of… …  

  • economy class syndrome — noun deep vein thrombosis …   Wiktionary

  • economy class syndrome — n. (Medicine) deep vein thrombosis, blood clotting deep within the legs that may occur during long air travel …   English contemporary dictionary

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