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 effect 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 adviser 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.
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