Dr. Tsubokura's Radiation Lecture Vol.125

Author: Masaharu Tsubokura M.D., PhD.

Editors: Akihiko Ozaki M.D., PhD., Yuki Senoo

249. Beware of economy class syndrome (traveler’s thrombosis)

October 27, 2019

　 First, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to all those who have suffered and are still suffering from the damage caused by Typhoon Hagibis (19th typhoon), which struck Japan in October 2019. Many people are still struggling to recover from the damage, including flooding, water shortages, and mud and waste disposal.

Based on the experience and lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, there are several health risks we should be aware of following disasters.

Some of you may already know the term “economy class syndrome,” or traveler’s syndrome—a potentially life-threatening disease caused by a blood clot in a vein located deep in the thighs or calves. This clot has a risk of blocking the blood circulation in a lung when it breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

Economic class syndrome can develop from lack of exerc