Altitude sickness in Himalayas is a medical condition that occurs in human body when exposed to high altitudes. You can be physically and mentally fit and still get Altitude sickness if you are not careful!
Altitude sickness occurs after you are exposed to a high altitude of more than 2700m/8,900ft for a long time. It occurs due to low oxygen levels in the blood due to decreased air pressure.
Before trekking everyone should have at least information about altitude sickness to prevent further fatality!
Considering our clients’ safety, we want to share a little information about the illness. The following are the sicknesses you might want to avoid for a comfortable travel experience.
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Acute mountain sickness is most common form of altitude illness. This is the first stage of illness most traveler gets after ascending into high altitudes.
Symptoms of Acute Mountain sickness:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Poor sleep
- Methods of prevention:
- Ascent slowly
- Drink more water!
- Always keep space for acclimatization
- Avoid smoke and alcohol!
Note: Acute mountain sickness is common during the trek but should not be taken lightly.
HACE (High altitude Cerebral Edema)
High altitude cerebral Edema is a form of altitude sickness that occurs rarely when AMS is neglected. It can be fatal if not treated. HACE is directly related to brain condition.
Symptoms of High-altitude Cerebral Edema:
- Hallucination
- Confusions
- Disbalance
- Weakness
- Unconsciousness
- Hard to communicate.
- Methods of Prevention:
There is only one preventive method for HACE, and that is descent.
If quick descent is not possible supplementary oxygen is needed. After the victim is diagnosed with HACE, descending should be done in 24 hours, or it could lead to serious conditions.
HAPE (High altitude Pulmonary Edema)
High-altitude Pulmonary Edema is an altitude illness related to the lungs of human body.it is a condition where lungs are filled with water. HAPE usually occurs after 24 to 7 hours of ascent to high altitude. HAPE is a final condition of mountain sickness that should be prevented as soon as possible.
Symptoms of HAPE
- Hard to breath
- Cough
- poor sleep.
- weakness
- methods of prevention:
- descent as fast as possible!
HAPE is more serious than HACE. The condition can occur with both AMS and HACE. After the victim is diagnosed with HAPE, descent should be done before 8 hours. If failed it can cause a fatal outcome. Check out the details Guide for Altitude Sickness during treks in Nepal.
Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is very adventurous and fun but can be dangerous if underestimated. Adventures can be exciting and thrilling but at the same time risky if neglected.
Most of trekking is done at more than 4000m of high altitudes in Nepal. Every day of your trekking is exposed to high altitude. It is very necessary to have information of altitude sickness if you are trekking in Nepal.