• Information
• Jul,21,2022
• Naveen Poudyal
• 1

If you ascend quickly to a high altitude, you could have altitude sickness. You can't breathe as easily because you can't take in as much oxygen. If ignored, acute mountain sickness (AMS), commonly known as altitude sickness, can develop into a medical emergency. Your probability of experiencing altitude sickness is unaffected by your age, sex, or level of physical fitness. Additionally, just because you might not have had it before does not guarantee that you won't have it on a subsequent trip.

What are the Symptoms of altitude sickness?

After ascending to heights greater than 2,500 meters above sea level, symptoms of altitude sickness typically appear 6 to 24 hours later. The following signs and symptoms are comparable to those of a terrible hangover:

• Headache

• nausea and other symptoms
• dizziness \stiredness
• reduced appetite
• breathing difficulty
• The signs typically get worse at night.

Mountain climbers are not the only ones who get altitude sickness. Visitors go to cities that are 2,500 meters or more above sea level.

How to avoid altitude sickness?

Travelling slowly over 2,500m is the best method to avoid getting altitude sickness. Your body typically needs a few days to adjust to a change in altitude.

You ought to:

• Whenever feasible, wait two to three days to acclimate to high altitudes above 2,500 meters
•  and avoid flying directly to places of high altitude
• Take a rest every 600 to 900 meters you climb
• Make sure you're drinking enough water
• Eat a light but high-calorie diet
• And refrains from excessive exercise for the first 24 hours

Medicines

Think about taking these medicines for altitude sickness when travelling:

• High-altitude sickness can be prevented and treated with acetazolamide.
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol for headaches
• Acetazolamide should be used for the duration of the ascent, starting one to two days before to the ascent.
• Continue to ascend gently and heed the preventative recommendations, which include allowing yourself time to acclimate, scheduling frequent rest days, and consuming lots of water.
• If you have altitude sickness symptoms while taking acetazolamide, take a rest or go down until you feel better before ascending once more.

Altitude sickness treatment

Should you suspect altitude sickness:

• Pause, and take a moment to relax
• Do not increase until at least 24 to 48 hours have passed.
• Ibuprofen or paracetamol should be taken if you have a headache.
• Take an anti-sickness medication, such as promethazine, if you feel sick.
• Ensure you're getting enough water to drink.
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and exercising.

Although acetazolamide won't totally cure your symptoms, it can help them become less severe.

Even if your symptoms are minor, express how you are feeling to your travelling companions because there is a chance your judgment may be clouded.

Once you feel like you've fully healed, you can start climbing again with caution.

If you still don't feel better, descend at least 500 meters (about 1,600 feet). Do not try to climb again until all of your symptoms have vanished. Your body should have acclimated to the altitude within two to three days, at which point your symptoms should go away.

If your symptoms do not subside or worsen, consult a doctor.

Complications

If altitude sickness symptoms are neglected, they may develop into potentially fatal illnesses that involve the brain or lungs.