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Altitude Sickness |
Information On Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related
Problems” are the important factors to be considered
because there is always a real danger of mild to serious
problems related to altitude and it is important that
trekkers understand that they will be affected to a
greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes
over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness, often known
as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect
of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation
above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe
symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.
I advise my clients to remember the following suggestion
when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas
above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms
of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness I
recommend few important points.
1. Basic Symptoms :
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms :
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms :
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are
closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
I want to request my clients that please feel free to
discuss any kind of trouble with me whether it is simply
gastro-intestinal or altitude related.
What to do about Altitude Sickness ?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization;
that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400
– 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various
intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains
tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is
necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a
day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that
will help you to some extent. When we reach to our
destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit
higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is
a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take a
Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to
altitude. After the symptoms will often disappear and
the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious
symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even
if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an
emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be
arranged; or I myself carry you and run to lower
(descend) altitudes. There are 3 radios in Namche
Bazaar, Doctors at Khunde hospital in the Everest Area
and HRA Clinics and in some trekking areas also has the
Gamow Bag. The hospital or the clinic will take fees or
charges for such services. I can arrange for immediate
evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the
severity of the case.
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