Summer Travel Alert: RAK Hospital Lists Health Warning Signs Passengers Shouldn’t Ignore

As international air travel rebounds during the peak summer holiday season, RAK Hospital is calling on travelers, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, to undergo medical evaluations before embarking on long-haul flights.

The advisory comes in the wake of a recent emergency case involving a patient who developed a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) just days after returning from an eight-hour flight from the UK.

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The patient, a male in stable condition now recovering, arrived at RAK Hospital's Emergency Department with persistent chest pain that had lasted for three days. A CT pulmonary angiography confirmed the presence of an acute pulmonary embolism, prompting immediate ICU admission and treatment with anticoagulants. Though the patient recovered well, doctors warn that the case highlights a critical health risk associated with prolonged immobility during air travel.

"Pulmonary embolism often starts as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot typically formed in the leg, which can migrate to the lungs and block blood flow," explained Dr. Suha Alsheikh Suleman, Specialist Pulmonologist at RAK Hospital. "Long flights, where passengers are seated for extended periods, increase this risk significantly, especially in individuals with underlying conditions such as obesity, pregnancy, heart or lung disease, or a history of clotting disorders."

Recognising the Warning Signs

RAK Hospital is urging travelers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms during or after a flight:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing (sometimes with blood)
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Swelling, redness, or pain in one leg
• Lightheadedness or fainting

"These symptoms should never be ignored," emphasized Dr. Suha. "If left untreated, PE can lead to serious complications such as lung damage, heart strain, or even sudden death. Early detection and prompt treatment can be life-saving."

Travel Smart: How to Reduce Risk on Long Flights

To prevent such incidents, RAK Hospital advises travelers—especially those in high-risk categories—to take the following precautions before and during their journey:

• Consult a physician prior to flying if you have chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, or a personal history of PE or DVT.
• Move frequently during the flight. Stretch your legs or take short walks every 1–2 hours.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
• Wear compression stockings, particularly if you are pregnant, obese, undergoing cancer treatment, or have a history of clotting.
• Be cautious of extreme temperature changes, which can increase dehydration and blood viscosity—two key contributors to DVT.

Dr. Suha added, "A simple fit-to-fly consultation can make a world of difference. In cases like these, the goal is not only to treat the clot but to prevent it from growing or recurring."

The patient has since been discharged and is expected to continue recovery on a three-month course of blood-thinning medication.

As part of its commitment to preventive healthcare, RAK Hospital is reinforcing the importance of medical preparedness as a key part of travel planning. With millions expected to take to the skies this summer, the message is clear: safe travel starts with safeguarding your health.