Deep Vein Thrombosis Ignorance

Doctors are misdiagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) patients, it has been claimed. One in four people who develop blood clots after flying are being turned away by their GP's on the advice to have a warm bath, seek physiotherapy or are advised to use bandages to strap the problem area.

The condition is linked to long haul flights and there has been increasing concern raised over the threat of DVT, also know as 'economy class syndrome'. It is believed to cause up to 2,000 deaths per year.

Dr. Farroll Kahn, of the Aviation Health Institute in Oxford has said some people are being sent away with appalling advice. 'Far too often, potentially fatal blood clots are being missed and unnecessary deaths are happening.

The symptoms include sudden swelling, enlargement of veins, reddish blue discoloration or skin that is warm to touch. Sweating is also a common sign of DVT, while breathlessness and persistent chest pain can signify a pulmonary embolism - a clot that has moved to the lung.

Airline companies argue that the condition can occur anywhere where people sit immobile for long periods of time, and is not necessarily linked to long haul flights.

Friday, 24 May 2002