Expert Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness

With surrounding Himalayan splendor, Nepal stands among the dream destinations of trekkers from across the globe. From the more famous Everest Base camp to the beautiful Annapurna Circuit, we are guaranteed breathtaking views, rich cultural experiences, and a feeling of adventure at its very finest.

But one thing all trekkers must take quite seriously is altitude sickness.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is when your body compels you to adapt to lower levels of oxygen as you climb to higher altitudes. Usually, AMS starts above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), and any person can be at risk, irrespective of age, physical fitness, or trekking experience.

Following rapid altitude gain, altitude sickness is common in Nepal’s trekking routes. For example:

• Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters
• Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters
• Manaslu Circuit crossing Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters

At these elevations, there is a high risk of altitude sickness, especially among trekkers who do not give their bodies time to acclimatize.

What are the symptoms of Altitude Sickness or AMS? : Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

It is better to know about symptoms of attitude sickness so that you can heal or treat it by yourself quickly. Altitude Sickness is not specific, so it can vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms that appear are:-

• Headache is the first and the most common symptoms of Altitude Sickness
• Dizziness and faintness
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or weakness
• Persistent rapid pulse.
• Not feeling like eating, feeling weak and tired.

In extreme cases, AMS can lead to HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema), both of which need urgent descent and medical attention.

Altitude sickness can affect to your brain and lungs. You become confused therefore you may faint and you may not be able to walk straight. You can see your lips and fingernails to be blue or grey in color. If so, then the condition or serious and it may be dangerous if not treated quickly.

What are the tips to Avoid Altitude sickness? : Tips to Avoid Altitude sickness.

• You should not feel panic with the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is natural, when you are at the high altitude it can be treated by acclimatizing your body to that altitude which your body used to get before.
• You can use oxygen or specially designed pressure chamber in order to treat altitude sickness.
• You should drink enough water to keep your body hydrated by maintaining water level.
• You can also take medicine of altitude sickness under prescription by doctor.
• You should remove taking caffeine and alcohol at a high altitude.
• You can also use home remedies medicine as garlic and cloves, as garlic thins the blood and increases blood flow and cloves support the body to be more efficient oxygen. Adequate consumption of these herbs will definitely help you to avoid the attitude sickness.

Expert Advice in Avoiding High Altitude Sickness

To avoid altitude sickness while trekking in Nepal, here are tips according to the experts:

1. Gradual Ascent:
Follow the essential advice: “Climb high, sleep low.”
Limit sleeping elevation gain to 300-500 meters (1,000-1,600 feet) per day above 3,000 meters. It’s also included in your itinerary that includes rest or acclimatization days.

2. Drink Well
Drink a minimum of 3-4 liters of water daily.
While they’re dehydrating, you should stay clear of alcohol and caffeine.

3. Include Carbohydrates
More energy is needed by the body when one is at a high altitude. Large-carbohydrates meals could help relieve AMS symptoms and even build strength.

4. Get Medications Considered
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is often recommended as a preventive tool.
See your doctor before trekking to find out if this is the right fit for you.

5. Recognize Symptoms Early
Pay attention to your body therefore never ignore headaches or dizziness.
Report the symptoms to the guide or group as soon as possible.

6. Don’t Push Yourself
Slowly though. Trekking is not a race.
Slow works best and makes it easier for your body to adapt.

7. Accumulation Walks: Short walks to greater heights on rest days then walk down for sleeping purposes. It adds to the ability to live at higher altitudes.

8. Trekking with a trained guide. An expert trekking guide is trained to monitor for AMS symptoms early. Change of itinerary according to need and to provide help in emergencies.

Trekking across the mountainous sites in Nepal is indeed one of the extraordinary backpacking adventures in the world. It must genuinely respect the mountains themselves and the body’s limits, for altitude sickness is real. Preparedness, consciousness, and pacing are the best ways to really enjoy the incredible beauty of the Himalayas without jeopardizing safety.So tie those laces good, plan smart, and let the mountains move you-breathless by altitude.