AN African man who recently flew to Shenzhen to visit relatives has been diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), which is also known as economy-class syndrome, after a two-day long-haul flight, the Southern Metropolis Daily reported Monday.

The 44-year-old man, identified as Frank, was suffering from shortness of breath, chest pain and painful respiration when he got off the plane.

He was diagnosed with pneumonia at a local hospital but didn’t feel better after getting treatment. He subsequently went to the Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University with his brother.

Li Zhikui, director of the hospital’s respiratory department, carefully inquired about Frank’s medical history. The fact that Frank had taken a two-day long-distance flight immediately attracted Li’s attention.

According to Li, DVT refers to the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein in the thighs and calves. It usually occurs during or just after a long flight, especially among those flying in economy class where there is less leg space.

A series of subsequent examinations confirmed that Frank had developed economy-class syndrome. It was discovered that his lower limbs had returned to normal but a thrombus remained in a pulmonary artery, which caused a pulmonary embolism.

Frank no longer suffered from chest pain or shortness of breath after three days of treatment. However, he still needs to take medicine for three months and return to the hospital for a follow-up visit a month later.

Economy-class syndrome is not confined to people flying in that cabin, according to the doctor. It also occurs when travelers sit on a bus or train for long periods of time without moving.

It is recommended that travelers drink plenty of water and get up to move their legs whenever possible, as well as periodically flexing and extending their ankles, knees, and hips to minimize the risk of developing economy-class syndrome.

(Zhang Yu)