hi there i have had a p/e from a long haul flight (supposedly) but this was only found 3 months after the actual flight. I now get very nervous to fly and every time i experience shortness of breath or chest pain, i fear i have another p/e.What are the chances of getting a second P/E....the hospital found no cause for it. I am 36 years old, healthy, fit and not on any contraceptive pill.
Hi there, Thanks for using Chat Doctor. Long flights with prolonged sitting leads to venous thrombosis in the legs. This usually does not cause any symptoms. Long flight increases the risk of venous thrombosis by 2-4 times. Venous thrombosis may lead to pulmonary embolism. The risk is high especially if you are obese, have clotting factors related issues. The symptoms you have now is more likely to be due to anxiety. You can take an anxiolytic medication while travelling. Risk of recurrence is always there especially for flight more than 4 hours and with the above risk factors. You can do the following to avoid recurrence -1. Do calf exercises2. Remain ambulant during the travel3. Wear compression stockings4. Sit in the aisle seat. Is this answer helpful?