Air Travel Recommendations

Introduction

Traveling can be a happy experience and you should not let lymphedema stop you from enjoying it; however, certain precautions are necessary. The following are precautions you can take to help ensure that lymphedema does not side-track your trip.

The information in this article is based on the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) position statement on air travel that was released in May 2009. [1]

• Individuals with a confirmed Diagnosis of lymphedema
  Purchasing a garment off the shelf is not an ideal way to obtain a proper fit and can cause problems!
• Individuals with confirmed lymphedema should wear a properly fitted compression garment while traveling by air.
• There is more to fitting a garment than taking measurements for the length or compression of the garment. It must also take into consideration the special features of the swollen limb.
• A garment that does not fit properly can force the fluid distally (toward the hand or foot). This is the opposite of the desired flow.
• The compression in a garment is not the same along the entire limb. Compression in the wrong places can be painful and damaging.
• A well trained lymphedema therapist is well equipped in taking the necessary measurements and to obtain a garment of the proper size and compression of for you.
• If it is necessary to order a custom garment, which is more expensive, if it prevents additional lymphedema related problems, it is an excellent investment.
• It should be left in place for 1 to 3 hours after deplaning to allow tissue pressures to equilibrate.

Individuals at Risk of developing lymphedema

Compression sleeve and glove.

If you are at risk of lymphedema but do not have any signs of developing it, the risk is present and wearing a garment is recommended.  Just ask someone with lymphedema. Most will enthusiastically tell you that investing in a properly fitted garment that stops the development of lymphedema is a very wise more!

The risk that is normally present is even greater during air travel and wearing a properly fitted garment is essential. The garment should be donned before the flight and then it should be left in place for 1 to 3 hours after deplaning to allow tissue pressures to equilibrate.

Additional air travel recommendations

• Pack lightly so you don’t have to lift a heavy suitcase. A roll-aboard bag is easier to handle. Asking for assistance with baggage reduces the risk if a strain or injury from handling the baggage.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages that tend to increase dryness.
• Drinking plenty of water (carry your drink bottle with you).
• Move about during the flight. If you can’t get up and move use a series of exercises that can be performed while seated.
• In addition to increasing the risk of increased swelling, moving your legs reduces the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs.

Reference

[1] NLN Air Travel Position Paper

© LymphNotes.com 2009.This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2009-11-13