Acute Mountain Sickness Treatment -Tips to Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness 2020
What is acute mountain sickness? How to do Acute mountain sickness treatment? The discomfort caused in the body due to the rapid exposure to the low oxygen amount and high elevation is referred to as Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness. When you elevate higher, air pressure decreases, consequently, the amount of oxygen in air also decreases. The human body can adjust the unfriendly environment but it needs time. Altitude sickness is common while traveling to highlands. So, trekkers must know about symptoms, precautions, and Acute Mountain Sickness treatment training to avoid any risk and hazards while trekking in the higher elevation. Acute Mountain sickness always increases the risk while trekking in the higher elevation of the Everest Region. Most of the trekking agencies of Nepal customize the Acute Mountain sickness friendly itinerary with plenty of acclimatization days, hygienic food, and comfortable accommodation. They will also provide you some training and Acute mountain sickness treatment to avoid any emergencies and hazards. Altitude sickness can take lives of people if some precautions and immediate aids aren't assisted to the victims on time.
Here are some effective tips for you to avoid altitude sickness - Acute Mountain Sickness Treatment
Ascend Slow
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to climb slowly. Your body takes few days to adjust the tolerance to less oxygen. Make sure not to take a flight or travel to high altitude directly. Instead, you can ascend higher each day with stop and rest at intervals. Ascend no more than 300m(1oooft) per day and do plan your stopping points before you proceed on foot to venture high.
No Alcohol and No Smoking
Alcohol consumption causes dehydration in the body resulting in early fatigue. Cigarettes, sleeping pills, and alcohol are also respiratory depressants. Avoid smoking and drinking not to let altitude sickness symptoms worsen.
Eat plenty Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates fall under the source of energy giving food and it is vital to take plenty of it when you are traveling higher. Sweets, cookies or whole grain can be of great help.
Drink plenty of Water
Your body tends to lose water through sweat and heavier breathing in thin air. Thus, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
Sleep lower
Mountaineers and highland trekkers follow “Climb high-Sleep low” rules. It would be better if you do the climb at day and return low to sleep.
Medications
Acetazolamide (trade name Diamox) may help you at some level if taken two days prior to the trip or during the acute mountain sickness. But do consult with a doctor before taking it. Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are also taken usually for headaches and nausea during altitude sickness. If you have existing health issues related to glaucoma, heart and lung problems and asthma it is a must for you to consult a doctor when you travel to the higher altitude.
Symptoms of Acute mountain sickness:
Altitude sickness can range from mild to severe condition. Notice the following symptoms when it’s mild so that you can treat it soon.
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness and tiredness
- Increased heartbeat
In case if you happen to have the above symptoms, it is best to take care of your health and rest at the same altitude until your condition improves. Trekkers need to be extrovert and consult with the trekking experts if any problems or difficulties are seen in the higher altitude. Altitude sickness can be treated if it is spotted on time. Also, Read the AMS Related Articles below to know more details and do contact us.
- What is Acute Mountain Sickness?
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