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When trekking in Nepal Himalayas “Altitude related
Problems” are the important factors to be considered
because there is always a real danger of mild to
serious problems related to altitude and it is
important that trekkers understand that they will be
affected to a greater or lesser extent when they
ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude
sickness,
often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it
means the |
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effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly
to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms
very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.
I advise my clients to remember the following
suggestion when you are on trekking in the high
altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are
the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to
avoid such sickness I recommend few important
points.
1. Basic Symptoms :
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms :
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms :
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes
are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
I want to request my clients that please feel free
to discuss any kind of trouble with me whether it is
simply gastro-intestinal or altitude related.
What to do about Altitude Sickness ?
Altitude illness can be prevented by
acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of
ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing
sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes.
The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you
so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to
drink at least four liters of water a day. On the
trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help
you to some extent. When we reach to our destination
it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher
point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a
really good way to get acclimatization. You may take
a Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying /
going to altitude. After the symptoms will often
disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious
symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed
even if it means going down in dark. In such case,
should an emergency situation arise, horse, or
porter will be arranged; or I myself carry you and
run to lower (descend) altitudes. There are 3 radios
in Namche Bazaar, Doctors at Khunde hospital in the
Everest Area and HRA Clinics and in some trekking
areas also has the Gamow Bag. The hospital or the
clinic will take fees or charges for such services.
I can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or
helicopter, depending on the severity of the case. |
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