Altitude Sickness Symptom Prevention And Medicine

Feb 2, 2024   |   By Admin   |   1237 Views

Every Year at least three trekkers die from Altitude sickness. This death would have been prevented if the trekker had had a good knowledge of Altitude sickness. It’s important to be well taught about altitude sickness before any trekker starts their trek. It is a good idea to attend one of the free lectures on altitude sickness given by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Thamel.

Some people are more vulnerable to altitude sickness than others. If you feel you get altitude sickness you just have to modify your acclimatization schedule correctly or use preventive medication.  The consciousness of such altitude sickness causes unnecessary anxiousness to the trekkers as they trek. The progression of symptoms is usually gradual, and you have a lot of time to react appropriately.

What is the Symptom of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

AMS means Acute Mountain Sickness. if somebody fails to adopt higher altitude from blood vessels the fluid begins to leak most often in the brain or even in the lungs. If the fluid collects in the lungs the trekkers become breathless more easily while walking and even breathless at rest. if the fluid collects in the brain initially begins a headache, loss of appetite nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Acute Mountain Sickness Prevention 

Most People can travel around 2800m without getting an illness. Although the itinerary is designed to prevent AMS some trekkers will be more likely affected by AMS. So try to spend your first acclimatization night on a trek below 3000m. Drinks a lot of water. Take garlic soup. But still, if you feel the symptoms of the AMS it is better to take medicine which is called Acetazolamide or Diamox. Diamox is useful in treating the headache and nausea associated with mild AMS and can improve your sleep at altitude if you have a problem with irregular breathing and breathlessness. The dose for treatment can be either 125mg or 250mg every 12 hrs if needed. And don’t forget to descend the altitude. It is not wise to ascend the altitude if you feel such altitude sickness