Introduction
Blood disorders encompass issues within the blood or bone marrow, the spongy tissue within the bones responsible for generating new red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If there is a malfunction with any of these cell types or with the clotting factors in the plasma (the fluid portion of the blood), it could lead to a blood disorder diagnosis. Common examples include anemia, bleeding disorders like hemophilia, and conditions involving blood clotting. This article shares tips for traveling with a blood disorder.
What Is Blood Clot?
Over 300 million individuals annually embark on lengthy journeys, typically exceeding four hours. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as blood clots, poses a significant risk to some long-distance travelers. While much of the blood clots and extended travel data stem from air travel, it is important to recognize that individuals traveling for more than four hours, whether by air, car, bus, or train, may be susceptible to this condition.
Blood clots may originate in the deep veins, typically in the legs, during extended periods of immobility in confined spaces, such as during travel. The longer people remain sedentary, the higher the likelihood of clot formation. While many clots may naturally dissolve, there is a risk of a severe complication if a fragment dislodges and travels to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can be taken to safeguard health and minimize the risk of blood clots during long-distance journeys.
What Are the Risk Factors for Blood Clot?
Even during extended travel, the risk of blood clot formation remains minimal. Risk levels hinge on travel duration and other predisposing factors for blood clots. Those susceptible to travel-related blood clots often possess additional risk factors, including:
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Advanced age (risk escalates post-40).
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Obesity (BMI exceeding 30kg/m2).
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Recent surgical procedures or injuries (within a 3-month window).
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Usage of estrogen-containing contraceptives (for example - birth control pills, rings, patches).
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Hormone replacement therapy (treatment to alleviate menopausal symptoms).
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Pregnancy and the postpartum phase (up to 3 months post-childbirth).
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Prior history of blood clotting or familial predisposition.
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Ongoing cancer or recent cancer treatments.
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Limited mobility (e.g., due to a leg cast).
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Placement of a catheter in a major vein.
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Presence of varicose veins.
Combining extended travel with these risk factors can heighten the likelihood of blood clot occurrence. The more risk factors present, the greater the susceptibility to blood clots. Before embarking on travel plans, it is advisable to consult a physician to explore preventive measures for safeguarding health. It is imperative to familiarize patients with the symptoms of blood clots for prompt recognition and response.
What Are the Tips for Traveling With a Blood Disorder?
The following are some tips for traveling with a blood disorder:
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People must contact the local clinic ahead of time to notify them of their travel plans.
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Travel planners will assist patients in preparing the necessary treatment supplies for the trip, as many countries may not have access to these products, or they may be prohibitively expensive.
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Additionally, most countries have limited supplies and may not prioritize providing them to travelers.
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The clinic will provide the patient with a travel letter, which is essential for explaining to security personnel why patients are carrying treatment products and prescribed medications at the point of entry or exit.
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When traveling by air, ensure that patients carry the treatment products and equipment as hand luggage to present to security and customs quickly if requested.
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Storing them in the aircraft hold poses risks of loss, breakage, and temperature fluctuations that could affect the products.
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Security typically accepts small gel packs or frozen juice boxes in insulated bags to keep products cool if needed.
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Always wear medical identification and carry the factor first card.
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It is advisable not to travel alone, but if the patient must, inform someone about the condition to assist in emergencies where the patient cannot communicate.
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Check the medical insurance well in advance, especially for pre-existing conditions.
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Before traveling, research and identify the nearest hemophilia treatment center to the destination, which can be found on the World Federation of Hemophilia's website.
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If a patient requires treatment while traveling, contact the nearest treatment center listed in the WFH's Passport Directory before seeking treatment. National hemophilia organizations can also provide assistance if needed during travel.
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Store medications and infusion materials in the carry-on bag instead of in checked baggage during air travel. Maintain organization by consolidating all supplies into a designated medical travel bag, which facilitates smoother airport security passage. Remember to include a sharps disposal container. When traveling out of state, it is prudent to review the insurance coverage. Although the insurance likely extends coverage beyond the local area, it is wise to verify beforehand to avoid surprises during the trip.
Conclusion
Blood disorders encompass abnormalities within the blood or bone marrow, the spongy tissue within the bones responsible for generating fresh red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If there is a malfunction in any of these cell varieties or with the coagulation agents in the plasma, the fluid component of blood, the patient could be diagnosed with a blood disorder. The prevalent kinds include anemia, bleeding conditions like hemophilia, and thrombotic disorders involving blood clots.
Extended air travel could heighten the likelihood of blood clot formation in certain individuals, especially those with predisposing factors like a personal or familial history of such clots. Mitigating the risk of blood clots during air travel and other modes of transportation is feasible.
Familiarizing patients with blood disorders with individual risk profiles and adopting preventive measures while traveling can be beneficial. If patients are undergoing treatment for a blood clot or have just concluded treatment, it is advisable to consult the doctor before embarking on a flight. Patients should consider postponing travel or providing medication to minimize the chances of severe complications.
