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For individuals not used to high-altitude living, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude Sickness is a frequent issue when visiting places situated at around 8,000 feet (2,400 meters above sea level) or higher. This means popular destinations like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, and other high-altitude sites present a risk of AMS for hikers, skiers, and adventurers. Especially because these locations are usually remote, it’s important to recognize and identify the symptoms of AMS and how to deal with them.
What to Watch Out For Altitude Sickness
AMS happens because there is less oxygen and lower air pressure, which can be common during activities such as skiing, mountain trekking, or flying. This occurs when the body doesn’t get enough time to adjust or when you exert too much energy. This can result in various symptoms, such as:
- dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
- headaches and muscle aches
- loss of appetite, irritability
- swelling in feet, hands, and face
- shortage of breath
- Increased heartbeat severe cases include coughing, chest congestion, skin discolouration, and loss of balance and walking ability.
These situations can cause harm to the cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems and require urgent attention. In the worst instances, they can lead to a coma or even death. Even milder cases should be addressed promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Treatment of High Altitude Sickness
In less severe instances, AMS can be treated by descending to lower altitudes, drinking water, taking breaks between activities, and resting before going higher. Symptoms may improve within hours to a few days. If there’s brain swelling and lung fluid, oxygen therapy may be needed. Doctors may also prescribe various medications, like acetazolamide to help with breathing, dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling, aspirin for headaches, and blood pressure medication.
Prevention of High Altitude Sickness
Fortunately, most people can prevent the onset of AMS with conscientious planning. This means checking that you’re in good physical shape without major health problems before going to high-altitude regions. Doctors may recommend taking acetazolamide as a precaution before starting your climb. Trekkers can also plan their route accordingly to allow for gradual ascent and rest days (usually done in 2,000 ft intervals).
Keeping hydrated, carrying oxygen when ascending above 9,000 ft, eating regular, high-carbohydrate meals and avoiding unnecessary exertion (and allowing for plenty of rest) will also help prevent AMS.
Take Note:
You suffer from heart and lung disease. Therefore, your cardiovascular system will experience strain under high altitudes. Also, consult the doctor before climbing to high altitudes if you take medications that lower breathing rates, like narcotic pain relievers, tranquillizers, and sleeping pills.
People who suffer from anaemia should also consider taking iron supplements before trekking to high altitudes. Low red blood cell counts mean less oxygen in the blood, which high climbs will extenuate.
Like any illness, AMS can be prevented and treated accordingly with conscientious planning, an acute awareness of its symptoms, and sufficient access to the right resources for treatment.