Air Travel Recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Traveling can be a happy experience and you should not having lymphedema, or the threat of developing  lymphedema stop you from enjoying it. However which is your status, 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 is due to be revised in 2011. [1]

INDIVIDUALS WITH A CONFIRMED DIAGNOSIS OF LYMPHEDEMA 

Compression sleeve and glove.

When in flight, the cabin pressure is less than the atmospheric pressure on the ground. For the individual with lymphedema, the decreased cabin pressure causes painful increased swelling in the affected limb. Wearing a properly fitted compression garment helps to prevent this problem. An individual who has been confirmed as having lymphedema, should always wear a properly fitted compression garment when they travel by air.

Selecting a Properly Fitting Garment

There is more to fitting a compression garment than checking numbers on a box on a pharmacy shelf. Also a garment that does not fit properly can cause serious problems in the affected limb.

• A well trained lymphedema therapist, or fitter, is well equipped in taking the necessary measurements and to obtain a garment of the proper size and compression of for you.
• The compression in a garment is not the same along the entire limb. Compression in the wrong places can be painful and damaging.
• It may be necessary to order a custom garment and this is more expensive; however, it can be an excellent investment because it can prevent painful lymphedema related problems.
• This compression garment should be left in place for 1 to 3 hours after deplaning to allow tissue pressures to equilibrate.

INDIVIDUALS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING LYMPHEDEMA

If you are at risk of lymphedema, but do not have any signs of developing it yet, the risk is present and wearing a garment is still 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. ADDITIONAL AIR TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

• Pack lightly so you don’t have to lift a heavy suitcase or roll-aboard bag.
• Don the Garment before the flight. Then leave it in place for 1 to 3 hours after deplaning. This precaution allows the tissue pressure to equilibrate.  
• Avoid drinking 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.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR LYMPHEDEMA PUMP

It has been reported, that some airlines do not charge for transporting your lymphedema pump with you if it is in the manufacturer's bag. This information has not been documented; however, you should be able to contact the airline in advance to learn what their policy is and their requirements are.

REFERENCE

[1] NLN Air Travel Position Paper 2011

© LymphNotes.com 2010.This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2011-10-26