Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness and Treatment

Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness and Treatment

Acclimatization:
There is no way to prepare for altitude other than to spend time at altitude. Being in very good physical condition will help ameliorate some of the exhaustion that people often feel, but it will not prevent altitude caused medical problems such as Acute Mountain Sickness. This itinerary is designed with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in mind and to ensure a comfortable and safe adventure trek in the Himalayas. Staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest may help. The maximum elevation of this trek will be reached at Gorekshep at altitude of 5160m ( Overnight) & Visit to EBC @ 5364, Kalapathar @ 5545m- above sea level so it is important to go slow and acclimatize for safety in trek days. 

We have specially designed our trek itinerary with keeping maximum acclimatization days into the itinerary to make you acclimatize but ultimately your response at altitude is due to genetic factors. 

Trekking above from 4000m, walking will be more difficult because of thin air and the drop-in oxygen levels and the humidity. At these heights there is around 30%- 40% less oxygen than at sea level, so your body needs time to adapt these conditions and it is absolutely essential to have sufficient time for acclimatization. That’s why; in this given itinerary all of these factors have been taken into consideration while design this itinerary to minimize the risk of AMS for your safety and success trekking with us. 

Altitude Sickness Key Facts:

• • Your body tries to adapt to having less available oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. 
• • Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain, the lungs or both, creating mild to severe symptoms.
• • Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms are usually resolved by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsen, descent to lower altitudes is warranted.
• • If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms worsen, then it is also necessary to descend.
• • More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, shortness of breath and coughing fits.
• • These extremely dangerous symptoms are called high altitude cerebral edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.
• • Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of high-altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition can rapidly prove to be fatal if ignored.
• • Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various substances, and may be a problem at altitude.
   

The Following Substances Can Do This, And Should Never Be Used By Someone Who Has Symptoms Of Altitude Illness:

• • Alcohol
• • Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude) 
• • Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses

To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquid a day and avoid getting cold.

Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day.

Some experts suggest a two-day trial of acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
 

To Recap, Serious Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness Include:

• • A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
• • Nausea and repeated vomiting
• • Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
• • Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
• • Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
• • Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
• • Swollen ankles and hands
• • Confusion
• • Convulsions

In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.

Our guide/staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for trekkers. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment so they will treat you immediately in high altitude sickness issue for your safety in altitude.