How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness
Common Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:
- Headache or dizziness
- Difficult breathing
- Feeling nausea
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Chest distress
- Somnolence
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal distension
- Numbness in limbs
If not being treated well, the mild high altitude sickness may cause severe altitude sickness, even threaten your life. So you have to be well prepared before your Nepal Trip.
Prevention
Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:
- Climb the mountain gradually. Gradual ascent is the most important factor in preventing acute mountain sickness.
- Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2000 feet (600 meters) of climb above 8000 feet (2400 meters).
- Sleep at a lower altitude when possible.
- Make sure that you have the ability to rapidly descend if needed.
- Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness.
If you are traveling above 9840 feet (3000 meters), you should carry enough oxygen for several days.
If you plan on climbing quickly, or climbing to a high altitude, ask your provider about medicines that may help.
If you are at risk for a low red blood cell count (anemia), ask your provider if your planned trip is safe. Also ask if an iron supplement is right for you. Anemia lowers the amount of oxygen in your blood. This makes you more likely to have mountain sickness.
While climbing:
- Do not drink alcohol
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat regular meals that are high in carbohydrates
You should avoid high altitudes if you have heart or lung disease.
