POSITION STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK
By NLN Medical Advisory Committee Next revision: May 2011
TOPIC: AIR TRAVEL
Air travel presents several considerations for individuals with lymphedema and for those at risk for lymphedema. It is the position of the National Lymphedema Network that: Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphedema should wear some form of compression therapy while traveling by air. Individuals at risk for developing lymphedema should understand the risk factors associated with air travel and should make a decision to wear compression based on their individual risk factors. Rationale for the Use of Compression The cabin pressure that is experienced during air flight is less than the atmospheric pressure on the ground. During flight, cabin pressure decreases from sea level to the low air pressure found at between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. The decreased pressure within the plane’s cabin may give rise to increased swelling in a lymphedematous limb as tissue pressures are physiologically altered. (1; 2) Changes in fluid production in the tissues occur when the external pressures exerted on the limb are changed. (3) Diminished pressure in the airplane cabin will result in a decrease in the fluid moved in to the lymphatic system. The fluid will remain in the extracellular spaces and an exacerbation of lymphedema may result. (4) The use of the compression garments will provide external pressure on the extremity to adequately support favorable resorption and decrease the potential for fluid accumulation in the tissue. (5) The use of compression may prevent worsening of pre-existing lymphedema and is recommended for those with lymphedema during air travel. (6) Compression bandages will potentially increase the interstitial tissue pressure and enhance the muscle pump in the lymphedematous extremity. The beneficial outcomes are two-fold. First, resorption of fluid at the capillary level is enhanced due to the compression. Second, the garment or bandages stimulate the lymphatic system, via the muscle pump, and uptake of extracellular fluid increases, helping to prevent an exacerbation of lymphedema. Definition of Individuals At-Risk for Lymphedema People at risk for lymphedema are individuals who have NOT yet displayed signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of lymphedema but have a known insufficiency of their lymphatic system. This includes people who have undergone removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy, which increases the risk for developing lymphedema. At-risk individuals have altered lymphatic function that may impede the body’s ability to take up excess fluids that escape into the tissues. Individuals at risk should pay close attention to changes in sensations of their extremities, such as heaviness, fullness of aching that may signal the onset of lymphedema from an airline flight. People who are at risk for lymphedema should take precautions when flying and should consider compression to the affected limb. A medical compression garment should be recommended and sized by a health care practitioner who is experienced in garment fitting. Other Considerations for Air Travel In addition to alterations in air pressure, several other factors may contribute to an exacerbation of lymphedema during travel. Air travel is sedentary in nature, which causes blood and lymphatic circulation to slow. This may precipitate an exacerbation of selling as fluid pools in a dependent extremity. All individuals traveling by plane are advised to move their limbs frequently to help prevent swelling. Standing and moving around the cabin frequently will encourage improved uptake of extracellular fluid and help prevent further accumulation of fluid in the tissues. NLN ♦ 116 New Montgomery Street, Suite 235 ♦ San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel: 415-908-3681 ♦ Fax: 415-908-3813 Infoline: 1-800-541-3259 ♦ Email: nln@lymphnet.org ♦ Online: www.lymphnet.org
飞行翻译公司 www.aviation.cn 本文链接地址：POSITION STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK TOPIC AIR TRAVEL.pdf
By NLN Medical Advisory Committee Next revision: May 2011
TOPIC: AIR TRAVEL
Air travel presents several considerations for individuals with lymphedema and for those at risk for lymphedema. It is the position of the National Lymphedema Network that: Individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphedema should wear some form of compression therapy while traveling by air. Individuals at risk for developing lymphedema should understand the risk factors associated with air travel and should make a decision to wear compression based on their individual risk factors. Rationale for the Use of Compression The cabin pressure that is experienced during air flight is less than the atmospheric pressure on the ground. During flight, cabin pressure decreases from sea level to the low air pressure found at between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level. The decreased pressure within the plane’s cabin may give rise to increased swelling in a lymphedematous limb as tissue pressures are physiologically altered. (1; 2) Changes in fluid production in the tissues occur when the external pressures exerted on the limb are changed. (3) Diminished pressure in the airplane cabin will result in a decrease in the fluid moved in to the lymphatic system. The fluid will remain in the extracellular spaces and an exacerbation of lymphedema may result. (4) The use of the compression garments will provide external pressure on the extremity to adequately support favorable resorption and decrease the potential for fluid accumulation in the tissue. (5) The use of compression may prevent worsening of pre-existing lymphedema and is recommended for those with lymphedema during air travel. (6) Compression bandages will potentially increase the interstitial tissue pressure and enhance the muscle pump in the lymphedematous extremity. The beneficial outcomes are two-fold. First, resorption of fluid at the capillary level is enhanced due to the compression. Second, the garment or bandages stimulate the lymphatic system, via the muscle pump, and uptake of extracellular fluid increases, helping to prevent an exacerbation of lymphedema. Definition of Individuals At-Risk for Lymphedema People at risk for lymphedema are individuals who have NOT yet displayed signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of lymphedema but have a known insufficiency of their lymphatic system. This includes people who have undergone removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy, which increases the risk for developing lymphedema. At-risk individuals have altered lymphatic function that may impede the body’s ability to take up excess fluids that escape into the tissues. Individuals at risk should pay close attention to changes in sensations of their extremities, such as heaviness, fullness of aching that may signal the onset of lymphedema from an airline flight. People who are at risk for lymphedema should take precautions when flying and should consider compression to the affected limb. A medical compression garment should be recommended and sized by a health care practitioner who is experienced in garment fitting. Other Considerations for Air Travel In addition to alterations in air pressure, several other factors may contribute to an exacerbation of lymphedema during travel. Air travel is sedentary in nature, which causes blood and lymphatic circulation to slow. This may precipitate an exacerbation of selling as fluid pools in a dependent extremity. All individuals traveling by plane are advised to move their limbs frequently to help prevent swelling. Standing and moving around the cabin frequently will encourage improved uptake of extracellular fluid and help prevent further accumulation of fluid in the tissues. NLN ♦ 116 New Montgomery Street, Suite 235 ♦ San Francisco, CA 94105 Tel: 415-908-3681 ♦ Fax: 415-908-3813 Infoline: 1-800-541-3259 ♦ Email: nln@lymphnet.org ♦ Online: www.lymphnet.org
飞行翻译公司 www.aviation.cn 本文链接地址：POSITION STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK TOPIC AIR TRAVEL.pdf
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