Actually, Altitude Sickness is a health problem due to higher altitude trekking or hiking. Furthermore, it occurs because our body cannot adopt new environment and food at higher elevation where there is low level of oxygen. It is also known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). We are just giving short information on AMS for more get insight from WEBMD. So, foreigners coming in Nepal need to be more careful. Get the information from foreigners guide to trekking in Nepal to make successful trekking.
Common Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness:
– Diarrhea
– Fever
– Indigestion
– Headache
– Nausea
– Vomiting
– Dizziness
– Tiredness
We do not get altitude sickness below 4000m. Normally, we may get altitude sickness in strenuous or adventure trekking above 5000m.
What are the causes of Altitude sickness? Who are likely to prone to Acute Mountain Sickness?
1. Drinking Impure water in the mountain
Those who drink unsafe and impure water in the mountain are likely to get altitude sickness. Some people like to taste the water from local tap and river which cause several health problems.
2. Smoking and Drinking
Those who smoke and drink at higher elevation like above 5000m are likely to prone to altitude sickness. Smoking and drinking make our stamina weaker.
3. Climbing quickly without acclimatization
Those who climb the higher elevation quickly without acclimatization are likely to get altitude sickness. So that, most of the trekking itineraries are designed with acclimatization.
4. Having serious illnesses
Those who have serious illnesses are likely to get altitude sickness. Serious illnesses like lung problems, respiratory problems, anxiety and the like.
5. Eating Unbalanced food
Eating unsafe meat, vegetables and less soup in the mountain cause various health problems which finally lead to cause altitude sickness.
Preventions for Acute Mountain Sickness:
1. Drink safe water
2. Do not smoke and drink at higher elevation
3. Solve your health issues ( If Any)
4. Go with trekking itinerary which has acclimatization
5. Do not climb quickly
6. Have balanced food
7. Report to the team leader immediately if you have any health problem
The group leader and the entire crew will help to overcome any health issues that occur during the trip. They will help you to take you to the lower elevation. If the problem persists, you will immediately evacuated by helicopter.
These are severe symptoms where immediately victims should be evacuated by quick means of transportation like using helicopter to nearest medical attention.
For milder Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS) one should acclimatize with more overnights stops at certain heights or descend to lower elevation.