High Altitude Illness
Altitude illness occurs due to changed pressure and oxygen levels. As the altitude increases the pressure levels drop and as a result oxygen levels drop accordingly. Altitude illness may kick in when reaching 3,000 metres and above as a result of the body being unable to adapt to the new pressure and oxygen levels.
Ascending slowly will help your body to adjust to decreased pressure and oxygen levels. This is normally known as ‘Acclimatization’. Two infamous trekking routes in Nepal – the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trek, both reach altitude above 5,000 m. At such altitude oxygen levels will be approximately 50% of the normal levels. Both treks therefore normally include one or two ‘acclimatization days’ where trekkers may go for a hike or two, but will return to rest place at similar altitude level and rest for the night.While altitude illness may have severe consequences it should not be viewed as dangerous as long as proper acclimatization is made. Symptoms of altitude illness normally include headache plus one or more of the following symptoms.
Headache/Nausea/Fatigue
Tiredness
Sleeplessness
Social withdrawal
Swelling Extremities
Vomiting
Lost of Appetite
When trekking or climbing above 3,000 m it is important to be on the watch out for the above symptoms. Should you believe you have any of them it is recommended to not ascend higher, or descend to lower altitude levels.
The best ways to avoid getting altitude illness are:
When above 3,000 m do not ascend more than 500 to 400 m per a day
Drink enough water as it will speed up the acclimatization process
Do not physically exhaust your body too much – better longer and slower ascends than short and fast. It will help your body to gradually adjust to the new pressure and oxygen levels
Note:
“Our Company trip itineraries have been professionally designed to minimize the effects of High altitude sickness. Extensive medical kits are carried on all our trips. In addition, Portable Altitude Chamber (a life saving device) is being carried as a safety backup on high altitude treks and climbing expeditions. All our trekking group leaders / guides are well trained in Wilderness First Aid Course who are competent to diagnosis it and to act accordingly on the very spot.”
For more information about altitude illness please refer to HRA( Himalayan Rescue Association) who normally also conducts altitude sickness presentations in Namche Bazar on the Everest Base Camp trek and in Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trek.
We hope the above mentioned details give you more satisfied and clear for awareness . If any feedback or comments please do not hesitate to Contact Us.