High altitude Sickness
7 Jan 2023 Himalaya Trip
The trekking activities is always in Himalayas with high altitude. When you trek in Nepal, you should know about High altitude sickness. It helps you to reduce the risk on the trek.
Causes of high altitude
- Less Oxygen
- Low pressure i.e. Barometric (Climatic) pressure
- Possible dehydration
- Hypothermia
Types of altitude sickness
- AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness (Normal Risk)
- HAPE ( High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) ( Medium Risk)
- HACE ( High Altitude Cerebral Edema) ( High Risk)
Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
- Headache
- Fatigue/ Tiredness
- Shortness of breathing
- Loose of Appetite
- Sleeping Disturbance
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
- Shortness of breathing even on the resting
- Dry cough
- Severe Cough
- Very Tired
- If the pulse is above 110 , it is the symptom of Hape
- Blueness of face, lip, fingernails
- Hyporthermia
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)
- Severe Headache
- Vomiting
- Ataxia ( Walking as a Drunker)
- Altered mental status / Mental confusion
- Irritable / Does not want to be bothered by other people.
- Coma/ Unconsciousness
Prevention
- Acclimatize
- Slowly ascend
- Drink enough water ( around 3-5 liters)
- Do not carry heavy backpack
- Climb everyday around 300m
- Climb high sleep low
- Do not travel alone
- No Sleeping tablets, Alcohol, Smoking
Treatment without side effect
- Descending is the best medicine
- Oxygen
- Gamow bag
Treatment without side effect
- AMS Diamox 125mg/ 6 hours
- HAPE Nafedipine 50mg / 6 hours
- HACE Dexamethasone 50mg / 6 hours
