Altitude Sickness – Your Question, Our Answer!

What exactly is altitude sickness? Altitude sickness is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, when their body cannot adjust to the decreasing amount of oxygen in the air, with the increment in altitude. The onset is usually above the altitude of 2,400 meters from the sea level. Who is likely to get altitude sickness? It’s very hard to predict as to who will be affected by altitude sickness. Altitude sickness does not depend on the fitness level of the body, but on how you choose to climb. If you choose to go slow, you are likely to be less affected by mountain sickness; however, if you choose to rush, you are more likely to be affected by it. What are the major causes of altitude sickness? Altitude sickness is mainly caused by rapid ascend, dehydration, overexertion within 24 hours of ascent, Hypothermia and the use of sedatives or alcohol. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness? Headache accompanied by either one or more of these symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, excessive flatulation, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, swelling of face, hands and feet, shortness of breath upon exertion, nose bleeding and persistent rapid pulse, if you are above the altitude of 2,400 meters from the sea level, are a sure shot sign of altitude sickness. Moreover, if your altitude sickness has already progressed to Pulmonary edema, you will be experiencing symptoms, like persistent dry cough, fever, shortness of breath even while at rest and the symptoms resembling the symptoms of bronchitis. It can progress rapidly, leading to the death of the person affected by it. Nevertheless, if the altitude sickness has progressed to Cerebral edema, the symptoms will be increased nausea and vomiting, headache that does not respond to analgesic drugs, gradual loss of consciousness, retinal hemorrhage as well as unsteady gait. It is life-threatening and can lead to coma or even death of the person affected by it. Is altitude sickness fatal? The effects of mountain sickness can definitely be reduced by descending to a lower altitude. However, in case of any delay, the Acute mountain sickness can progress to Edema, like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) above the altitude of 3,500 m or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), above the altitude of 5,500 m, which are potentially fatal. Is it possible to prevent altitude sickness? Yes, it is definitely possible to prevent altitude sickness. There are a several measures to prevent altitude sickness, however, the best and the must measure is to descent to lower altitude, as low as possible. Other preventive measures include;

1. Start Low and start slow: Always make sure that you start below 3,000m and ascend slowly. Allow your body to adjust to the thinning air at its own pace.
2. Stop for acclimatization: Make sure to set aside a day or two as a rest day after every 900m of elevation gained to let your body prepare for the decreasing amount of oxygen in the air.
3. Hydrate yourself: Make sure you drink 4-6 liters of water every day. Electrolyte drink mixes are the best.
4. Acclimatization hikes and rest: Acclimatization hikes like a few hours upward hike and descend before attempting further altitude is a must.
5. Climb high, sleep low: Following the climbing high and sleeping low theory is one of the best way to prevent altitude sickness.
6. Eat right: Your body needs a lot of energy to keep going. Therefore, make sure you eat food rich in calories. Carbs are highly recommended as they allow you to use oxygen more efficiently. Always go for heavy lunch and lighter dinner. It is also highly recommended to avoid junk food, alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, nicotine, sleeping pills or any other depressant drugs.
7. Use of preventive medications: It’s always best to use preventive medications. Acetazolamide, commonly found in the drug store as Diamox can be used 24 hours, before arriving the altitude sickness prone zone. In case of headache and other symptoms of altitude sickness, medicines like Aspirin and Ibuprofen are considered the best ones.
8. Descend: If you see any signs of altitude sickness, the best way to prevent is to descend as low as possible and only start to ascend, when the signs of altitude sickness fully disappear.
9. Follow what your guide tells you: Almost all of the guides leading altitude trails are experienced and trained in the field of altitude sickness. Therefore, trust the decision of the guide and follow their direction.
10. Don’t be late: As soon as you start to recognize the early signs and symptoms of altitude sickness, discuss it with your guide. Do not put off until it gets severe.

Who is at higher risk of altitude sickness? This is the toughest question of all. Since, the physical fitness level, age and gender play no part in provoking altitude sickness, anyone can develop the symptoms of altitude sickness. However, people with heart and lung problems are at higher risk of feeling its effects. Therefore, these people should be very careful, if they are attempting any altitude walk. We hope the above given information will help you to deal with altitude sickness and and help you achieve your altitude goal.