Signs & Symptoms

Deep vein thrombosis can occur in normal veins for no obvious reason. Symptoms may not occur for several days after travel.

Prompt, correct diagnosis & treatment is essential - even physicians can diagnose cramp when they themselves have DVT. Helping your healthcare professionals reach the correct diagnosis quickly can make all the difference between a successful recovery and serious damage.

Remember that on many occasions DVT can occur without pain or symptom. Awareness and prevention are the keys to your safety.

Classic Symptoms

• Tenderness when touched.
• Swelling with a red skin colouring
• DVT usually affects only one leg.
• Extra warmth in the affected area.
• Pain - especially at the back of the leg below the knee.

Sometimes no DVT signs or symptoms occur in the legs. Problems only become obvious when a pulmonary embolus or PE develops. PE can cause breathlessness, chest pain and fainting. DVT is difficult to diagnose without blood tests and ultrasound as many conditions, such as strains and skin infections, have similar symptoms.

Symptoms of P.E.
One of the high risks from DVT is PE - pulmonary embolism. A blood clot has broken away and moved to your lungs.

DVT and PE, whatever the cause, are very serious. Prompt professional investigation and treatment is vital.

Dr. Stanley Mohler, Director of Aerospace Medicine at Wright State Medical School, calls this the Stealth Disease.
www.airhealth.org/symptoms.html