Acute Mountain Sickness/ High Altitude Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in high Himalayas of Nepal. It is very common to experience mild to severe altitude sickness for the first time traveller in high altitude regions of Nepal depending on your adaptability to altitude. High altitude and Very high altitude are two types of altitude regions in Nepal. Trekking regions like Everest, Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Dolpa are in more risk of high altitude sickness for first time traveller. However, regions like Langtang, Gosainkunda and Annapurna are in less risk of high altitude sickness.Mild altitude sickness might be experienced while trekking above 2700 m high and severe high altitude sickness while trekking above 3500 m high.

While trekking above 2500m, pressure of oxygen decreases over time. Therefore traveller should avoid rapid ascending of the elevation as it can cause serious symptoms and even lead to fatal. It is always every important to consider altitude sickness while taking excessive elevation  as it can lead to water retention in the brain and lungs

Symptoms of high altitude sickness of a person varies depending on factors like age, weight, blood pressure, person’s pace of gaining altitude, respiratory capacity, person’s experience of thin air and amount of time spend in higher altitude.

High altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000/10,000 ft. The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people will experience mild AMS during the acclimatization process and this is actually more common in fit young people because they are more likely to try a fast climb by racing up the mountain like some indestructible super hero! As a general rule, it is far safer and more enjoyable to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimatization to altitude as you ascend, but you could run back down as fast as you like.While trekking in Nepal, always make careful consideration of possible symptoms of High altitude sickness. Key symptoms of high altitude sickness are:

• Nausea, vomiting, Loss of appetite.
• Headaches and nose bleeding
• Disturbed sleep/Insomnia, persistent headache.
• Body Tingling
• Dizziness, light headedness, confusion, disorientation, drunken gait.
• Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs, slight swelling of hands and face.
• Shortness of breath and breathing irregularity, reduced urine output.
• General feeling of malaise

These symptoms are must be considered very seriously. In case of an appearance of any of the above mentioned symptoms any further ascent should be avoided otherwise more serious, even life-threatening troubles might happen. The only cure for Altitude Sickness is to descend to lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 100 meters per day above 3000 meters, and the proper amount of rest and dehydrations are the best methods for prevention of AMS, So, gentle ascent is always pleasing to try to avoid acute mountain sickness. The trekking itineraries in this site are designed to ensure maximum enjoyment of trek and to minimize possible hazardous happening.

Some basic guidelines for the prevention and Treatment of AMS / High Altitude Sickness:-

• Always make assessment of possible symptoms of high altitude sickness on the go.
• Stop achieving further elevation when you experience some symptoms, rest for a while and you can further proceed if symptoms are gone.
• Always rest for acclimatisation after you reach 3000 m and further 1000 m achievements. It is also best to sleep at 300-400m lower even than the highest point you reached for the day.
• Don´t fly or drive to high altitude. Start from below 3,000 and walk up.
• Climb high and sleep low!
• Avoid heavy exercises at the high altitude
• Always do not ascend more than 1000 m per day.
• Always climb the heights with someone or guide.
• Stay properly hydrated and drinks enough water and fluids.
• Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs
• Eat a high calorie diet while at altitude.
• Take altitude sickness medicines like Acetazolamide 250 mg twice a day to speed up person breathing rate and acuteminophen like Tylenol and painkiller like Ibuprofen 500m mg during excessive pain.
• During serious symptoms of altitude sickness use Gamow if possible to help increase atmospheric pressure around the person.
• If someone is sick in group, shouldn’t be left behind.He/she needs help and care.
• If symptoms are appearing, GO DOWN, DOWN, DOWN!
• If the symptoms are constantly worsening, immediately call for rescue and emergency service as you require immediate hospital treatment.
• In conclusion, there are no worries about it for a perfect trekking but, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.