Traffic is congested near Jamwon IC on the Gyeongbu Expressway in Seocho District, Seoul, Friday, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. Yonhap
As the Lunar New Year holiday began, many people began traveling long distances, whether returning to their hometowns or heading overseas on long-postponed trips. Health experts warn that spending extended hours in cramped airplane, train or car seats can increase the risk of so-called “economy class syndrome.”
The formal medical term for economy class syndrome is deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in the legs due to poor circulation after prolonged sitting in confined spaces such as airplane economy seats. The risk is not limited to flights. Anyone sitting in a fixed position for hours in traffic jams, on trains or buses can develop the condition. When blood flow slows and pools in deep leg veins, clots may form.
Byun Jae-ho, a professor of cardiology at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, said, “Sitting or lying in the same position for a long time increases the risk of blood clot formation. Those with a history of blood clots, cancer patients, pregnant women and people taking hormone therapy are in high-risk groups and need especially careful management.”
Common symptoms include swelling, pain and tingling in the legs. If only one leg becomes noticeably swollen, red or warm to the touch, it should raise suspicion. Pain in the calf when flexing the ankle upward can also be a warning sign.
The danger lies in leaving the condition untreated. If a clot breaks loose from a leg vein and travels through the bloodstream to block a pulmonary artery, it can cause pulmonary embolism. This can trigger sudden shortness of breath and chest pain, and in severe cases may be fatal.
Prevention is key, experts say. During travel, passengers should change positions frequently or walk down the aisle when possible. Even while seated, repeatedly moving the ankles up and down or lifting and lowering the heels can stimulate calf muscles and promote blood circulation.
Staying well hydrated is also essential. Drinking water regularly helps prevent blood from becoming more viscous. In contrast, coffee and alcohol, which can promote dehydration through diuretic effects, are best avoided. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing instead of tight garments is recommended, and people prone to leg swelling may consider wearing medical compression stockings.
Byun said, “During high-travel periods like the Lunar New Year holiday, even small warning signs such as leg pain or swelling should not be ignored. People should strictly follow preventive measures and seek medical care immediately if suspicious symptoms appear.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
