Does climbing mountains scare you? Read on and learn how you can effectively deal with acute mountain sickness.

High altitudes can cause nausea, headaches and shortness of breath amongst trekkers from 2500m and above. If you are planning a trip to the magnificent Himalayan ranges, at an altitude of 3000m, you may experience altitude sickness. With adequate measures, you can absorb the panoramic views, and make your travel to India worthwhile.       

Defining Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Acute Mountain Sickness, an altitude-related neurological disorder that occurs due to low oxygen levels in the body, while climbing altitudes above 2500m. The cause is still under investigation, but genetics seem to play a part. People affected by AMS, experience nausea, headache, dizziness and exhaustion. Hypobaropathy is common amongst skiers, mountaineers and people who spend considerable time at high altitudes. Results can be fatal, if misdiagnosed.  

What causes AMS?

At sea level, oxygen concentration averages to 21% and the barometric pressure to 760 mmHg. At higher altitudes, the concentration of oxygen in the thin atmosphere remains the same; however, the oxygen molecules per breath, reduced. In order to compensate for shortage of oxygen level in the blood, individuals’ need to breathe faster with an increased heart rate, yet are unable to reach the optimum level of oxygen concentration, subsequently they experience AMS.

Symptoms

In addition to headache, other diagnostic symptoms include drowsiness, swelling of face, hands and feet, general malaise, insomnia, weakness, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath and lack of appetite.

Severe Medical Conditions:

Avoiding these symptoms may cause life-threatening medical conditions - High Altitude Cerebral Oedema and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema. The former is the consequence of accumulation of fluid around the brain, while the latter results due to accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

Dealing with AMS

The primary reason for altitude sickness is ascending rapidly. Additionally, trekking at higher altitudes above 2500m and staying there for long, misbalances the body’s ability to adapt to the lower air pressure and decreased oxygen levels. On an average, our body required up to 3 days to acclimatize to the change in altitude. If you neglect this requirement, you face a higher risk of life-threatening AMS.

You can prevent AMS by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic beverage, no smoking, ascending slowly with ample rest and exercising mildly. The recommended norm is to ascend higher altitudes during the day and sleep at lower altitudes at night. Begin to descend immediately, if the symptoms are enhanced.

AMS Medication

Preventive drugs include Acetazolamide and Dexamethasone. Diamox an Acetazolamide is a mild diuretic that acidifies the blood and stimulates breathing. If you are trekking beyond 3500m, Diamox can potentially reduce AMS. Recommended dosage is between 125 to 250 mg every 12 hours. Its side effects include urinating often, tingling sensation around lips, fingers and toes. However, trekkers with renal problems and people allergic to sulfa compound, found in the drug, should absolutely refrain from consuming it. We at wildplanettours.com advise you to consult your doctor, prior to ingesting the medication.

Practice these recommendations and explore Himalaya's with loads of enthusiasm.