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General Information |
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 Mountain Sickness:
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HIGH ALTITUDE TREKKING & CLIMBING |
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The pleasures of trekking in the world's highest mountain ranges are immense and so are some dangers. Altitude sickness can affect some people at as low as 8,000 feet, but serious symptoms do not usually occur until over 12,000 feet. Even then it is not the height that is important but the rate of ascent.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is actually more common in fit young men because they are more likely to attempt a rapid climb by racing up the mountain like some ego boosted super hero! As a general rule, it is far safer (and more enjoyable) to avoid altitude sickness by planning a sensible itinerary that allows for gradual acclimatization to high altitude as you ascend, (You can race back down as fast as you like!). |
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| 2,500 to 4,000 |
meters |
| 8,000 to 13,000 |
feet |
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| 4,000 to 5,500 |
meters |
| 13,000 to 18,000 |
feet |
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| Over 5,500 |
meters |
| Over 18,000 |
feet |
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What is High Altitude?
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It is difficult to determine who may be affected by altitude sickness since there is no specific factor such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility. Some people get it and some don’t.
Most people can ascend up to 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) with little or no effect. If you have been at that altitude before, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as you are properly acclimatized. If you haven't been to high altitude before, you should exercise extreme caution while doing so. |
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Precautions: |
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Water is the best medicine for high attitude sickness. |
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Preventive Medications |
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Acetazolamide (Diamox): |
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This is the most tried and tested drug for altitude sickness prevention and treatment.
(For prevention, 125 to 250mg twice daily starting one or two days before and continuing for three days once the highest altitude is reached is effective..
Gradual ascent is always desirable to try to avoid acute mountain sickness but if rapid ascent is undertaken and actazolamide is used, it should be noted that such use does not cut out the need for a prompt descent if severe forms of high altitude sickness occur, i.e. pulmonary or cerebral edema.
Side effects of acetazolamide include: an uncomfortable tingling of the fingers, toes and face carbonated drinks tasting flat; excessive urination; and rarely, blurring of vision.
On most treks, gradual ascent is possible and prophylaxis tends to be discouraged. If trekkers develop headache and nausea or the other symptoms of AMS then treatment with acetazolamide is fine. The treatment dosage is 250 mg twice a day for about three day.) Noted from medical literature. |
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Recommended Medical Tests to be Done Before Yatra: |
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Yatri should remember that both Kailas and Mansarovar are at a very high altitude and to go there one should get medically checked and be properly equipped. Following tests are essential. |
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- E. C. G
- BLOOD PRESSURE
- HEMOGLOBIN
- BLOOD SUGAR
- STRESS TEST
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Besides this, inform your doctor about the high altitude, extreme climate & difficult terrain of the yatra and seek his advice about your fitness to perform it. Secure fitness certificate from the doctor for enabling you to perform this yatra. |
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