High Altitude Sickness
Travelers to Tibet are reported to exhibit mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Complaints of headache, breathlessness, fever, loss of appetite, unrest, stomach disorder etc can come up before acclimatization. So, proper acclimatization is very much important before you head on trekking trips to a higher elevation. If you choose to take flight into Lhasa, you will stay minimum 3 nights there to get properly acclimatized. When you drive in to Central Tibet via Zhangmu , you will gain the altitude gradually. You will drive over the passes of 5,000 m or more but you will be descending to a lower elevation for the overnight stay that minimizes the chances of getting altitude sickness. If you are heading to Western Tibet, you will halt two nights in Nyalam and you will get properly acclimatized. Travelers with heart, lungs and blood diseases should consult with their doctors. Consumption of enough liquid food (not liquor!) and enough rest is indispensable if you feel some symptoms. If the symptoms persist, you will have to descend as low as possible. No smoking, no alcohol, no love making in higher altitudes! Diamox is believed to be a help against the sickness. Our kitchen crews prescribe “Garlic Soup" to cure the AMS. Other medical kits necessary are-Band Aids or plasters, thermometer, scissors, multivitamins, antibiotics and antiseptics, water-sterilization tablets, chap sticks, pills against diarrhea, pain killers, antihistamine etc.
What is a High Altitude Sickness?
High altitude sickness is also called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The following are the preliminary symptoms likely to occur. But the first four symptoms are likely to be experienced by any traveler during first few days in a high altitude and later you will get acclimatized, if you follow the precautionary measure.
Cause/Factor of Altitude Sickness
- Less Oxygen
- Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
- Rapid Ascent
- Possible Dehydration
- Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Types Altitude Sickness
- AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
- HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
- Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema
Symptoms
(AMS) Acute Mountain Sickness
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
- Headache
- Fatigue/Tiredness
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Dizziness
(HAPE) High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (Water in lungs)
- Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
- Severe cough-dry/Productive
- Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
- High Pulse rate i.e. 110
- Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood
(HACE) High Altitude Cerebral Edema (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
- Severe Headache
- Vomiting
- Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
- Mental confusion/Altered mental status
- Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
- Unconsciousness or Coma
Decision Making
- Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
- If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.
Prevention
- Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
- Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
- No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
- Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
- Do not carry heavy packs, 10 - 12 Kilograms is ok.
- Climb higher sleep lower.
- Over 3000m, 300m. Ascent a day.
- Do not travel alone.
Tareatment
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
- Oxygen.
- Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
- Nafedipine for HAPE
- Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
- Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
- If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
- If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
- Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. Important
- Go up slowly.
- Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
- Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.
Our advice: Drink 4ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.
Warning!
The information provided here is for general knowledge only and not in any case, can be used as the substitute for specific training or experience or medical consultation. We assume no liability for any individual's use of or reliance upon any material contained or referenced herein.
