High altitude sickness information
Mountain sickness usually occurs to trekkers and climbers who are at an altitude above 2400 m. Lower oxygen levels and less atmospheric pressure are the main reasons for mountain sickness. Those who climb the mountain very fast are more likely to get mountain sickness.
Those who had mountain sickness before and those who live near sea level and climb up to higher altitudes are more prone to high altitude sickness. Altitude sickness, known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) also, mountain sickness can be dangerous. It is very important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal Himalayas.
High altitude sickness symptoms
The Symptoms of altitude sickness may be mild, severe, very severe and even life-threatening. However, in most of the cases the symptoms are mild. The mild symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty to sleep, nausea, loss of appetite, rapid pulse and short breath. The symptoms of severe mountain sickness include chest tightness, cough, vomiting blood while coughing, cyanosis, pale complexion, inability to walk, Lassitude, less urine output, decreased consciousness and short breath at rest. When you have got start to surfing from these symptoms as soon as inform the trekking guide and follow his instruction.
Types of Acute mountain sickness
(A) High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), this illness occurs when fluid builds up within the lungs, a condition that can make breathing extremely difficult.
(B) High altitude cerebral edema (HACE), this illness occurs when fluid builds up within the brain. That can make brain swells with fluid, the person’s mental state changes.
Treatment of high altitude sickness
When diagnosed and treated in the early stage of high mountain sickness can be cured easily. Those who develop the symptoms should not continue the climbing. Extra oxygen may be given to the patient, if possible. Those who have severe symptoms must be admitted to hospital at the earliest.
Breathing can be improved by taking acetazolamide. While taking acetazolamide one should drink plenty of fluids and should avoid alcoholic drinks. Those who have fluid in the lungs must be provided with oxygen, medicine for high BP, inhalers, breathing machine and medicines to improve blood flow to the lungs.
How to prevent altitude sickness
Mountain sickness can be prevented by climbing the mountain slowly, relaxing for a day or two after every 2000 ft for acclimatization, climbing higher and sleeping at a lower altitude and knowing about the early symptoms. Those who go above 3000 m may carry sufficient oxygen with them, Ascent less than 300m a day. While climbing one should drink plenty of fluids, strictly avoid alcohol, no sleeping pills, no smoking, no sex and take regular meals high in carbohydrates.
Heart and lungs patients should avoid climbing high altitudes. Drink more clean water, soup and juice if possible no tea, coffee because caffeine (which found in tea, coffee) is not good for health and you also lose the sleep and fell weak. Do not carry heavy backpacks, never trek alone, always keep body warm and have rest more than usual. Descent is the best remedy; do not wait for helicopters rescue or medical help.
No worry for high altitude sickness if you traveling to high mountain with us because our travel itineraries are design by the expert have long experience in the Himalaya, with the plenty of rest for acclimatization to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness and our guide always care takes and lead you to make safe and successful journey in the Himalayas.