High Altitude Climbing and What is Altitude Sickness?
High Altitude climbing may bring on altitude sickness, the reaction of the body adjusting to decreasing amounts of oxygen. Normally, the higher the altitude, the less oxygen available for the body to carry on normal functions. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs from above 2,800 metres (9,200 ft) but this is different for everyone.
There is simply no way of knowing your own susceptibility prior to being at altitude thus it is vital you monitor your own health. Symptoms may be mild and subside/go away after a day’s rest, or if it is ignored it could lead to death.
Tanzania (Kilimanjaro and Meru) Mountain Treks
Symptoms of altitude sickness
Symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours although most often appear 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as the body adjusts to altitude. They may reappear as you continue to go higher. Symptoms usually occur gradually and can be one or a combination of the following:
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Disturbed sleep or drowsiness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Swelling of hands, feet & face
If the body is unable to adjust to altitude these symptoms will persist and, if they are left untreated, altitude sickness may progress to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Both can be fatal if ignored.
Symptoms of HAPE (fluid on the lungs):
- Breathlessness
- A dry cough, developing to a wet one with blood-tinged discharge or saliva.
- Tightness in the chest & blueness/darkness of face, lips & tongue
- Low fever up to 38°C/100°F
- Severe fatigue, progressing to coma
Symptoms of HACE (fluid on the brain):
- Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
- Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred or double vision/retinal hemorrhage
How to avoid Altitude Sickness (AMS)
Certain medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) or medications (such as sleeping pills) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – it is important that you inform your leader of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude. You can help your body to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness by:
- Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration.
- Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates.
- Drinking plenty of water – at least 4 litres per day
- Taking it easy or have a rest. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid overexertion.
- Check with your health care provider to see if Diamox would be appropriate for you to take while climbing. See below.
- If possible, don’t fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and walk up. If you do fly or drive, do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
- Hike high and sleep low. You can climb more than 1,640 feet (500 meters) in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
Treatment
Most travelers are able to successfully acclimatize by following the previously mentioned guidelines. However, there are instances where medical treatment is required. Ultimately, the best treatment for acute altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. There may be times when your leader makes the decision that you or a member of your group is at risk of serious altitude sickness and for safety insists that you cannot ascend further – please respect that they are within their rights to do so and are making that decision in the best interests of your health and well-being. If you are experiencing any altitude sickness symptoms, we encourage you to discuss them with your leader straight away so you both can follow your acclimatization progress or seek the advice of a trained medical professional if necessary. Everyone will have a different perception of the severity of their symptoms, the key is to personally assess whether your symptoms are improving or worsening. If in doubt, go down!
Preventive Medication
Diamox (Acetazolamide) allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, while high altitude climbing, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation. This is especially helpful at night when respiratory drive is decreased. Since it takes a while for Diamox to have an effect, it is advisable to start taking it 24 hours before you go to altitude and continue for at least five days at higher altitude. The recommendation of the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic is 125 mg. twice a day (morning and night). (The standard dose was 250 mg., but their research showed no difference for most people with the lower dose, although some individuals may need 250 mg.) Possible side effects include tingling of the lips and finger tips, blurring of vision, and alteration of taste. These side effects may be reduced with the 125 mg. dose. Side effects subside when the drug is stopped. Contact your physician for a prescription. Since Diamox is a sulfonamide drug, people who are allergic to sulfa drugs should not take Diamox. Diamox has also been known to cause severe allergic reactions to people with no previous history of Diamox or sulfa allergies. Frank Hubbell of SOLO recommends a trial course of the drug before going to a remote location where a severe allergic reaction could prove difficult to treat. It is very important that you make yourself aware of the cause and effects of traveling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.
Note
The above is for information purposes only and is in no way intended to replace the advice of a trained medical professional. As such, BenefacTours Inc. is unable to accept responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by any person, caused by errors and omissions, or as a result of the advice and information given here.
