Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatement

While observation these days Show last week, I used to be jolted into that acquainted feeling of “Huh? Where has the time gone?” once it absolutely was rumored that next month marks ten years since the explosive and tragic death of 39-year-old journalist David Bloom. Ten years! I remember hearing the news back then—although if you asked me how long ago it was, I would have said maybe two or three years—that while on assignment in Iraq, Bloom died of a pulmonary embolism, originating as deep vein thrombosis. The words were foreign to me and I wondered what it was all about.

But I never dug that deeply. That was before I started writing about health.

Now I feel each a curiosity and obligation to my readers to report on this serious condition that’s a significant health threat. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a large vein. What happens next can be serious or even life threatening: part of the clot may break off and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

DVT and letter of the alphabet square measure major health issues within us. It’s calculable that between three hundred,000 to 600,000 Americans have these conditions every year which sixty,000 to 100,000 die as a result. Aside from that, many people who have either condition suffer from complications that have a great impact on their health and quality of life.

Since the condition is potentially life-threatening, it’s important to know:

Symptoms of DVT
(Note: Not everyone will experience symptoms. When they’re present, they may include the following):

• Swelling (sometimes sudden) of the arm or leg
• Pain or tenderness in the leg (may only be felt when standing or walking)
• Increased warmth or pain in the area of the swollen arm or leg
• Skin redness or discoloration
• (Superficial) vein enlargement in the affected arm or leg

Symptoms of PE

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sharp chest pain (often made worse by moving or coughing)
• Back pain
• Cough
• Excessive perspiration
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Lightheadedness or fainting

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Are You at Risk?

Although David Bloom was young and otherwise healthy, his DVT occurred because of prolonged immobility. That’s akin to sitting too much, which can also have serious effects on your health. A few other factors contributed to his DVT: dehydration and an inherited blood coagulant disorder called Factor V Leiden.

Other Risk Factors

Major surgery
Recent injury
Increased estrogen from birth control pills, pregnancy and certain medications
Previous DVT
Age (risk rises with increased age)
Obesity
Smoking

MORE: Asthma Linked to Increased Risk of Dangerous Lung Blockage

Preventing DVT

Prevention, as the saying goes, is the best medicine. Here are some tips for preventing DVT:

• If you’re confined to a bed, get moving as soon as possible.
• If you sit for long periods, get up and walk around every two to three hours.
• If you can’t get up (let’s say you’re on a long flight that has the “fasten seat belt” sign lit), exercise your legs by raising and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor or tightening and releasing your leg muscles.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you smoke, quit.