- Updated on 2024-08-28
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Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a medical condition resulted when your body has trouble adjusting to low amount of oxygen at high elevation. It is because of the change in air pressure caused by the rapid ascend. Mountain climbers and trekkers have high risk of developing altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness. It usually doesn’t last long and easily gets better after rest of 2-3 days. Altitude sickness is often preventable but sometimes it may get severe and needs immediate treatment.
Having a young and fit body doesn’t eliminate your risk and just because you weren’t affected in the past doesn’t mean you are immune to this condition in the up coming future. Different people have different adaptability at the higher elevation so people usually respond in different ways. It generally occurs at the height above 2500 m but some rarely gets affected at lower elevations too. Altitude sickness is a harmful effect of high altitudes. Researches have shown that men are more prone to the altitude sickness than women for some unknown reasons.
Types of altitude sickness
- Acute altitude sickness
It is a mild effect of altitude sickness which is commonly encountered by people. General symptoms appear with the rapid ascent and is subsided within a few days with proper rest.
- High altitude pulmonary oedema
It is life threatening as a person may drown if their lungs fill with too much fluid. It causes constriction of the blood vessels in the lungs resulting in the leakage of fluid to the lung tissues and finally to the air sacs. It often progresses rapidly and thus is fatal.
- High altitude cerebral oedema
It is also a severe presentation of altitude sickness. It is a condition in which the brain swells up due to the accumulation of fluid when you reach high altitude. It is a negative reaction of brain due to lack of oxygen. It may even lead to coma or death.
Normal symptoms of altitude sickness
The initial symptoms of the acute altitude sickness include
- Headache normally the first sign
- Lethargy resulting in the drop of performance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Excessive fabulation
These symptoms occur at an elevation of 2400 meters above the sea level but it may vary in its severity.
Severe symptoms of the altitude sickness
The initial symptoms may take an adverse route if not treated timely and properly. The various severe symptoms of the altitude sickness include the following
- Shortness of breath and congestion of chest
- Heart palpitations
- Grey and pale complexion
- Frequent cough due to fluid in the lungs
- Sputum with blood due to damaged lung tissues
- Pins and needles sensation
- Blue tinged skin and nails (cyanosis) because of lack of oxygen in the body
- Lack of body coordination
- Irrationality
- Inability to sit up and walk straight in a line
- Gradual loss of consciousness
- Peripheral oedema
Complications generally begins with the oedema. The symptoms are very similar to that of bronchitis. These symptoms need immediate medical attention or else it can be a life-threatening situation.
Preventive measures of altitude sickness
- Ascend slowly towards the high altitude so as to let your body adjust to the changing air pressure. Make sure to take extra rest.
- Be fully prepared with all the necessary medications for first aid treatment.
- Climb with an experienced guide.
- Remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water (at least twice your normal water intake) and, avoid consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
- Carry a portable oxygen cylinder with you during your trek to high mountains.
- Sleeping tablets must be strictly prohibited. They lead to increase in hypoxia causing CNS (Central Nervous System) depression.
- Over exertion or tiredness can also aggravate the symptoms.
- Consult with your doctor for some useful information and advice before your trek.
- Any symptoms must not be discarded or taken lightly.
Treatment of altitude sickness
A portable oxygen cylinder is essential for administering oxygen via hood or the facemask. The best and immediate treatment for altitude sickness is to descend immediately. Medications like nifedipine and dexamethasone are used as treatment for mild altitude sickness while the diuretic drugs reduce the risk of fluid accumulation. Acetazolamide (Diamox) speeds up the process of how fast your body gets used to the higher altitude.