Nepal Trekking

"If you are not feeling well at altitude, it is altitude sickness until proven otherwise."

"Altitude sickness is nothing to worry if you are careful otherwise…………………………."

"Awareness about the altitude sickness is the best medicine for AMS"

Altitude sickness which is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS) may occur when people gain considerable amount of height with in a short period of time, generally occurring over the altitude of 3000m above the sea level. One will feel some difficulties such as shortness of breathing, light headache, tiredness. The most common symptoms include severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness and in most of the probable cases there are clear symptoms in order to take immediate rescue measures. We have got expert, skilled and trained guides who are entrusted with the job to help you is such probable mishaps and every thing shall be carried out in consent with the recommendations from your physian. Here are some key information giving you enough ideas about altitude sickness, the precautions you have to follow and remedial measures.

 

• Normal headache

• Crazy dreams at the altitude of 2500m and above.

• Irregular sleep

• Loss of appetite ( occasional)

• Increased rate of breathing

Don’t worry only with those symptoms. Most of the trekker will feel some or all of those symptoms. Enough rest and drink is the best cure.

 

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common in travelers who ascend rapidly to altitude above 7,000 feet.

 

• The typical sufferer experiences a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and nausea.

• Swelling of the face and hands may be an early sign. Children are generally more susceptible than adults.

• Sleep is often fitful, with frequent awakenings and an irregular pattern of breathing characterized by periods of rapid breathing alternating with periods of no breathing.

Treatment

• When mild symptoms develop, it is a signal that one should no to any higher in altitude until the symptoms have completely resolved. Watch the victim closely for progression of illness to more severe forms. Usually, within one or two days, the victim will feel better and can then travel to higher altitudes with caution. Symptoms will improve more rapidly simply by going down a few thousand feet.

• Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 to 1000 mg. or ibuprofen (Motrin) 400 to 600 mg. for headache.

• Consider administering acetazolamide (Diamox) ,at a treatment dose of 250 mg. twice a day .

• Minimize exertion.

• Avoid sleeping pills.

3. Severe Altitude Illness

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

A victim may have one or more of the following:

 

• Severe headache unrelieved by Tylenol or Motrin;

• Vomiting;

• Loss of coordination;

• Severe lassitude

• Confusion, inappropriate behavior, hallucinations, stupor or coma;

• Transient blindness, partial paralysis of loss of sensation on one side of the body may occur;

• Seizures

Administer acetazolamide (Diamox), 250 mg. twice a day.

Administer dexamethasone (Decadron) 8 mg, followed by 4 mg. every 6 hours if available.

Administer oxygen if available.

In case immediate descent is not possible, placing the victim in a portable hyperbaric chamber (Gamow Bag) may be helpful in mitigating the effects of HACE.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE usually begins within the first two to four days of ascent to higher altitudes, most commonly on the second night.

 

• Initially, the victim will notice marked breathlessness with minor exertion and develop a dry, hacking cough.

• As greater amounts of fluid collect in the lungs, the victim develops increasing shortness of breath, even while resting, and a cough than may produce frothy sputum.

• The victim looks anxious, restlessness and has a rapid or bounding pulse.

• Cyanosis (a bluish color of the lips and nails indicating poor oxygenation of the blood) may be present.

Treatment:

• IMMEDIATE DESCENT of at least 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) or until the victim shows signs of considerable improvement are the most important treatment. Do not wait. Waiting could prove to be fatal.

• Administer oxygen four to six liters-per-minute, if available.

• The prescription drug, nifedipine (Procardia) may be helpful for HAPE. The dose is 10 to 20 mg. every 8 hours.

• The use of Gamow bag, as described above, may be beneficial when the victim can not be immediately evacuated to a lower altitude.

• Sufficient time for acclimatization should be allowed esp. above 3000 meters.

• Make gradual ascent.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking and even sleeping pills.

• Drink adequate fluid, about 4 liters which includes water, tea, coffee, juice, soup, etc.

• Climb high and sleep low.

• Follow the guidance from your guide.

• If mild symptoms begin to appear, descent quickly.

• Try to keep yourself warm.