Altitude Sickness occurs at high altitude. The decrease in atmospheric pressure makes difficult to breathe due to less oxygen. Mainly, it happen above 3300m(10,000ft). This is the most dangerous hazard that threatens trekkers. Every year, more trekkers are victims of altitude sickness because they do not take care of themselves properly when in the mountains.
Signs and symptoms
Headache/Dizziness
Nausea/vomiting
tiredness/fatigue and Delirious
Sleepy but can’t sleep
Drunken Gait
Loss of Appetite
Confusion
Disorientation
Slight soiling of hands and face
Reduce urine output
Prevention
Trekkers must be prepared and understand the symptoms. Also, there are things you can do to help prevent altitude sickness. They are the following:
Acclimatize properly
Do not make a rapid ascent
Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking
Drink plenty of water
Do not carry more than 10 kg
Climb higher sleep lower
Over 3000m ascend 330m a day
Never travel alone
Treatment
Descend
Provide oxygen canisters
Gamow bags
Diamox pills (125g) before dinner
Four Golden Rules
These are the rules to prevent altitude sickness:
Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms. If you start to have symptoms, try a prevention method
If you have mild symptoms do not proceed higher.
If symptoms worsen descend immediately
Do not leave your team member behind unattended.
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