Acute Mountain Sickness happens while traveling over 2500 meters refers to the effect of high elevation on our body within a short period. Every trekker must know about altitude sickness when traveling in the high altitude. So it is worthy to use precautionary ideas and tools such as staying dry or getting down from the high altitude. Because of low oxygen, our some part of the body doesn’t work properly while in high altitude. As a result, you might feel problems like nausea, headache, appetite, vomiting, and shortness of breath.
The AMS by itself is not much dangerous but never tries to ignore it. You must heal yourself on time otherwise it may lead to a worse situation like HAPE or HACE. HAPE and HASE is an extreme form of Acute Mountain Sickness. Sometimes, they may lead to death if you are not treated on time.
However, some trekkers rest within a day others may take 3-4 days to recover. If acclimatization does not help then you will have to go low altitude. But, if you use preventive ideas, you will recover and get a chance to enjoy the trip.
What are the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS)?
AMS is not explicit, so it can vary from one individual to another. It is a great idea to treat it when any of the side effects show up.
Tips to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness
a) Acclimatization
In the high altitude, the level of oxygen is decreased and oxygen molecules per breath get lower. It is necessary to get oxygen for the climbing and expedition. If you face a low oxygen level, you have to adjust to breathing.
Acclimatization helps you to let the body adjusts to high elevation. It is mandatory to stay at the place for a day or more for recovering the body. It helps you to make more familiar to the thin air of the mountains.
It is recommended to spend one or two days at the same altitude for every 1,000 meters depends on your health conditions. You must spend acclimatization days while you trek to the Everest Region and Kanchenjunga region.
b) Hydrate
hydrated by maintaining the water level
The rate of lungs water evaporation is higher at high elevation. Thus, it is necessary to hydrate more. Carry a bottle of water and drink frequently even if do not feel thirsty.
You can maintain the electrolyte level with a sports drink. Such type of drinks helps to maintain your body hydrated by maintaining the water level. It is useful in the case of losing lots of water through respiration.
c) Don’t use Caffeine and alcohol
Don’t use Caffeine and alcohol
In Sherpa villages, the local homemade alcoholic drinks and a cup of beer may be very tempting. But, it is best to stay away from caffeine and alcohol in the morning time during your trek.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption at a higher elevation will increase dehydration. You must avoid these things whenever you ascent high elevation. You can have caffeine and alcohol in the low altitude while descending.
d) Slow and steady wins the Race
Slow and steady wins the Race
The other thing to do while you trek is to injure yourself. It is difficult to breathe as you are in high elevation but it is surely wrong to push yourself too difficult situation.
Trekking and climbing is not a race to win. You can walk slow and steady while watching the mountain and lake. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is acclimatization.
e) Make your stomach happy
Nepalese Dal Bhat Tarkari
To produce high energy, we recommended you to eat healthy and energetic food during a hike in the hills. It is recommended to eat about 75% calories with high carbohydrates.
The high amount of carbohydrate and other nutrients like chocolates, juices supplies you constant energy in the trek. High energy diet also helps to avoid altitude sickness.
f) Medication
Medication to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness
You can also use drugs like Acetazolamide to avoid Altitude sickness. You have to use twice a day from days before starting the ascent high elevation.
You must continue the medicine till the next day after reaching the high elevation. But, it may show different side effects. So, it is better to take precautions with your doctor before using the medicine.
f) Garlic Breath!!
The popular Nepali remedies to avoid altitude sickness are Garlic and Cloves. Garlic helps to maintain blood flow and cloves are useful for the body to be more effective oxygen. These two herbs heal you to avoid altitude sickness.
If you feel the symptoms of the altitude sickness continue and bad health condition, then it is best to go to the lower elevation and use medical help.
