What is Altitude Sickness? - Nepal Treks And Tour

What is Altitude Sickness? Also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), it is a common health issue faced by trekkers, climbers, and travelers who quickly ascend to higher elevations. It happens when your body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, usually above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft).

Quick Answer: Altitude sickness is the body’s negative reaction to rapid gain in elevation due to reduced oxygen and lower air pressure.

Table of Contents

What is Acute Mountain Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a medical condition caused by the body’s inability to get enough oxygen at higher elevations. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness, or experience.
Mild Form: Headache, fatigue, nausea.
Severe Form: High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Mild Symptoms (AMS):
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath on exertion
Fatigue
Insomnia

Severe Symptoms (HAPE & HACE):

Severe shortness of breath (even at rest)
Cough with pink frothy sputum (HAPE)
Loss of coordination, confusion, hallucinations (HACE)
Blue/gray lips or fingernails
Inability to walk in a straight line

Causes of Altitude Sickness

Rapid ascent to altitudes above 2,500m
Not allowing enough time for acclimatization
Low oxygen concentration in the air
Pre-existing respiratory or heart conditions
Dehydration and over-exertion

Altitude Sickness Risk Factors

Ascending too quickly
Previous history of altitude sickness
Sleeping at a higher altitude than gained during the day
Lack of acclimatization days in trekking itineraries

Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips

Ascend Gradually: Don’t climb more than 300–500m per day above 3,000m.
Acclimatize Properly: Take rest days every 2–3 days of climbing.
Stay Hydrated: Drink 3–4 liters of water daily.
Avoid Alcohol & Sleeping Pills: They can suppress breathing.
Medication: Consult a doctor about preventive drugs like Acetazolamide (Diamox).
Recognize Symptoms Early: Never ignore warning signs—descend if they worsen.

Altitude Sickness Treatment

Descend to a lower altitude immediately if symptoms are severe.
Rest and hydrate for mild cases.
Oxygen therapy or hyperbaric chambers for serious conditions.
Medical supervision and evacuation if symptoms progress.

How drinking water can help against Altitude Sickness ?

Drinking water plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) for several reasons:

Prevention of Dehydration: High-altitude environments often have lower humidity levels, and individuals may not feel as thirsty as they would at lower elevations. Consequently, there’s a risk of dehydration. Staying well-hydrated helps maintain bodily functions, including blood circulation and oxygen transport.

Enhanced Oxygen Transport: Proper hydration supports the transport of oxygen in the blood. At higher altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower, adequate hydration ensures that the available oxygen is efficiently carried to vital organs and tissues, reducing the likelihood of AMS symptoms.

Acclimatization Support: Hydration is crucial during the acclimatization process, allowing the body to adjust to changes in altitude more effectively. Adequate fluid intake aids in the adaptation of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which can help prevent or alleviate AMS symptoms.

Reduced Headache Risk: Dehydration can contribute to headaches, which is one of the early symptoms of AMS. Drinking water helps maintain proper fluid balance in the body, reducing the likelihood of developing a persistent headache at high altitudes.

Minimization of Fatigue: High-altitude environments can exacerbate fatigue, and dehydration can further contribute to feelings of tiredness. Staying hydrated supports energy levels, helping individuals cope better with the physical exertion associated with ascending to elevated terrains.

Symptom Alleviation: If AMS symptoms do occur, proper hydration can assist in symptom alleviation. For example, staying hydrated may help reduce the severity of headaches and nausea associated with altitude sickness.

Expert Note: Always consult a medical professional before traveling to high altitudes.