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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. We ensure minimal risk by
building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. 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 your 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.
-Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
-Occasional loss of appetite.
-Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
-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)
- Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS
Symptoms - NEVER 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 apatite.
-Runny nose.
-Hard to breath.
What to do if
a mild symptom doesn’t go way?
-If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with
your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
-If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest, drink some
fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours
to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close
by.
-If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty
of fluids again.
-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. You’re here to enjoy trekking not to feel
sick.
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
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. It In most cases the first
five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can
lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of
symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of
ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg
of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox
every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC
(portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary
Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is
responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often
accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a
minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good
substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life
saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
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.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect
trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas
will need a more comprehensive kit.
-Bandage for sprains
-Plasters/Band-aids
-Iodine or water filter (optional)
-Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
-Antiseptic ointment for cuts
-Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
-Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
-Oral rehydration salts
-Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
-Anti-diarrhea medication (antibiotic)
-Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
-Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
-Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
-Gel hand cleaner. |