High Altitude Sickness Tips

High altitude sickness defines that when we quickly travel from lower elevation place to higher in a short period of time. That means either steady climbing-up or being transported to higher elevation places. As climbing higher find strong and dry wind and less oxygen percentage in the around the atmosphere.

What is Altitude?
Altitude is height above mean sea level. If the sea level in a certain place is 100 feet and you are 250 feet above the ground, your altitude above sea level would be 350 feet, and your altitude above ground level would be 250 feet. We all enjoy the tremendous view from a high summit, but there are risks in going to high altitude, and it’s important to understand these risks. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude.

Altitude Sickness Information
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 meter. 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 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 possible case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.

Our experienced and well-trained guides will advise you about any health issues and also altitude sickness while you are on trekking, so you should not worry about it. Before leaving for the trip we suggest consulting with your Medical Doctor and get advice. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the effects.

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.
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 to 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 appetite
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 coordination, 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. 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 dose, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 litres /minute oxygen. The 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 quickly.

Prevention of Altitude Illnesses
Prevention of altitude illnesses falls into two categories, proper acclimatization, and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.If possible, don’t fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk-up.
If you do fly or drive, do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
If you go above 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), only increase your altitude by 1,640 feet (500 meters) per day, and for every 3,280 feet (1000 meters) of elevation gained, take a rest day.
“Climb high and sleep low.” This is the maxim used by climbers. You can climb more than 1,640 feet (500 meters) in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don’t go higher until symptoms decrease.
If symptoms increase, go down, down, down!
Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates. Make sure all of your party is properly acclimatized before going higher.
Stay properly hydrated and acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day). Urine output should be copious and clear.

Take it easy; don’t over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms. Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.

The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.

Preventive Medications
Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and fingertips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO recommends a trial course of the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat.

Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a prescription drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS. Dosage is typically 4 mg twice a day for a few days starting with the ascent. This prevents most symptoms of altitude illness. It should be used with caution and only on the advice of a physician because of possible serious side effects. It may be combined with Diamox. No other medications have been proven valuable for preventing AMS.

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 ciprofloxacin)
• Anti-diarrhoea 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.

Please Note: Our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.