Know more about High Altitude Sickness and its remedies | Nepal Tourism
High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.
Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from you travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry
Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.
- Periods of sleeplessness.
- Occasional loss of appetite.
- Periodic breathing.
- The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.
- Runny nose.
- Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign)
2. Mild AMS Symptoms: Don't go higher
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
- Mild headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Sleeplessness
- Dry Raspy cough
- Fatigue/Tired
- Loss of appetite
- Runny nose
- Hard to breath
What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?
If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop, have rest, drink plenty of water and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms.
If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying, it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse.
3. Serious AMS Symptoms: Immediate descent
- Persistent, severe headache.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk)
- Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions)
- Mental confusion or hallucinations.
- Liquid sounds in the lungs.
- Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
- Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
- Severe lethargy/fatigue.
- Marked blueness of face and lips.
- High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
- Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Dangerous cases of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Tips of prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
- Don't make rapid Ascent. Don't go too far too fast.
- No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
- Climb high and sleep low.
- Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
- Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
- Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
- Never leave or descent sick person along.
- Avoid getting cold.
- Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
Description
Physical distress from difficulty adjusting to lower oxygen pressure at high altitude.
Most cases of altitude sickness are mild, but some may be life-threatening.
Symptoms tend to occur within hours after arrival at high altitude and include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and inability to exercise.
Mild cases may resolve in one to three days. Severe cases may require oxygen, medications, and moving to a lower altitude.
For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
Dec 23, 2018 - High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is the most severe form of altitude sickness and happens when there's fluid in the brain.
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