If you are trekking or touring at higher altitudes or just planning to, then you must know about the medical problems you can face due to high altitudes. Yes! You may happen to grow certain kind of illnesses that are caused by the altitude. This may seem ridiculous, but it is a fact that altitude may give rise to many serious medical problems.
As we move up from the mean sea level, the air pressure decreases gradually. However, the composition of the atmosphere remains same (ratio of oxygen and nitrogen). We cannot even feel significant change in the atmospheric pressure and oxygen level up to an altitude of 2000 meters. Above 2000 meters, you can feel the low pressure if you are walking. A significant fall occurs above 2400 meters, above which some of the people may grow sick. And, above 3000 meters, the oxygen available is not enough to sustain mental and physical alertness properly. Generally, those who are not adapted to high altitudes are more prone to such sicknesses as compared to those living in high altitude regions.
There are three major kinds of sicknesses, which are found to have caused due to high altitudes. Acute mountain sickness (AMS), High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Let us take all of them one by one.
1. AMS – Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is the most common sickness caused at higher altitudes, usually at elevations over 10,000 feet or about 3,000 meters. The occurrence of AMS depends upon the altitude, rate of increasing altitude and susceptibility of the individuals for it. Generally three out of four suffering from AMS, experience mild AMS.
Symptoms of mild AMS: headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleeps, and feeling of malaise.
Symptoms of severe AMS: shortness of breath at rest, reduced mental status, inability to walk, and fluid accumulation in lungs.
Prevention: Mild AMS does not interfere with the normal body activities, and usually subside within two to four days. Two to four days are required for the body to adapt to the conditions at higher altitudes; this process is termed as acclimatization. However, in case of severe AMS, immediate medical assistance and descent to lower altitudes is recommended.
2. HAPE - High altitude pulmonary edema
HAPE is a condition of fluid filled lungs. The fluid in the lungs affects the oxygen absorption process. This in turn may cause decrease in the oxygen level in the blood. The effects of HAPE may include cyanosis, impaired cerebral function, or even death if not treated well in time. The occurrence of HAPE generally depends upon the altitude and individual.
Symptoms: shortness of breath, tightness in chest, fatigue, suffocation (usually during sleeps), weakness, cough with white or frothy fluid, longer time to recover from tiredness.
Prevention: In case of mild symptoms, consult medical practitioner. If the symptoms are severe, immediate medical treatment is required and descent to lower altitudes (600 meters-1200 meters) is essential measure to save life.
3. HACE – High altitude cerebral edema
HACE is the result of swelling of brain tissue due to fluid leakage. It generally occurs after a week or more at high altitudes. It is a very serious condition and requires immediate attention.
Symptoms: headache, weakness, loss of coordination, decreasing level of consciousness, disorientation, loss of memory, hallucinations, and psychotic behavior.
Prevention: In case of above symptoms, immediately consult a doctor, as severe instances can lead to death if not treated properly well in time. A descent to lower altitudes of 600-1200 meters is recommended as a life saving measure.
Therefore, if you are planning to visit a place that is situated above 2400 meters and you are not used to it, then you must consult a doctor, who can prescribe you medications to avoid such conditions. You may find a number of recommendations on medications on internet, but it is advisable to consult a registered medical practitioner for proper prescriptions depending upon your body.
Tips for a healthy trip –
1. Avoid overexertion for the first day of elevation.
2. If you have enough time for the journey, try to move only 1000 feet per day. And take a rest after every 3000 feet of altitude gained.
3. Keep yourself hydrated; it helps the acclimatization process.
4. If you are driving, keep yourself busy in light activities. (of course not while driving :)
5. Have a high carbohydrate meal to compensate the calorie loss.
6. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs.
Just a note: Remember to remove all the plastic marks of your visit to maintain the beauty and healthiness of the hills.
Nice article. Nice Info.
Regards
I fully agree with you. Proper physical fitness & planning is important before performing high altitude trekking.
One point I would like to add in the tips section is that in case you are running out of water, please ensure that you drink water from a clean & running source only. And without knowledge, do not eat any of the fruits grown in the forest.
Yea right! DO NOT eat any of the fruits grown in the forest