We all love to go to high places like Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Piduruthalagala, and climb mountains, don't we? But sometimes when you go, do you also feel a slight headache, a feeling of weakness, and a feeling of vomiting? Although many people think that this is "maybe due to the cold" or "maybe due to the fatigue of the journey", this is actually a condition that can be explained medically. Today we are talking about this condition called 'Altitude Sickness'. If you know about this properly, you can make your next mountain trip more beautiful and safe.
Simply put, what is Altitude Sickness?
Imagine that when we are at sea level, that is, in an area like Colombo, the air we breathe is like a thick milk tea. That gives our body enough oxygen in one breath. But as we go higher, that is, to a place like Nuwara Eliya or Horton Plains, the atmosphere becomes thinner. That is, the air becomes "thinner" as if water had been added to that thick milk tea. So even though we take the same amount of breath, the amount of oxygen our body receives is less.
Our bodies are amazing. They can adapt to this lack of oxygen. But it takes a while. Altitude sickness occurs when we go to a high altitude too quickly without giving our bodies enough time to adjust. Simply put, it's like a "shock" to the body.
There are 3 main types of this.
Altitude Sickness has three main types, depending on its severity. It is important to be aware of these, as some conditions require emergency medical treatment.
| Status name | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) | This is the most common and least severe form. It feels like a "hangover." Symptoms include headaches and nausea. This is not dangerous, but it is a warning from your body. |
| High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) | This is a dangerous condition. What happens here is that the lungs fill with water . This is a medical emergency. If not treated quickly, it can even be life-threatening. |
| High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) | This is the most dangerous and severe case. What happens here is swelling of the brain . This is also a very dangerous, life-threatening medical emergency. Immediate treatment is required. |
What are the symptoms of this condition?
Okay, now let's see what symptoms this condition presents. Typically, symptoms of AMS appear within a day or two of going to high altitude. However, symptoms of more severe conditions like HAPE and HACE can take two to five days to appear.
Characteristics of a typical AMS condition
These are the common first symptoms:
- Headache: This is the most common and first symptom.
- Nausea and vomiting: You may feel like vomiting along with your loss of appetite.
- Anorexia: Losing all desire to eat.
- Extreme fatigue: Feeling very tired even when just doing nothing.
- Malaise: A general feeling of discomfort, like "something is not right."
- Insomnia: Tossing and turning at night without falling asleep.
- Dizziness: Feeling like your head is spinning.
Important: Sometimes vision changes can occur. This is caused by the rupture of tiny blood vessels inside the eye. If this symptom occurs, it means that the condition may be more serious.
Symptoms of dangerous HAPE and HACE conditions
You should be very careful about these symptoms. If you see them, it is essential to immediately go to a lower area and seek medical advice .
| Risk characteristic | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing even at rest | This is a key symptom of HAPE (Hypertension of the Lungs). It can be accompanied by a cough along with chest tightness. |
| Difficulty walking, staggering (Ataxia) | You lose your balance, like someone who has been drinking. You can't walk in a straight line. This is a dangerous sign of HACE (encephalopathy). |
| Confusion, confusion | You lose track of time and place. You can't understand simple things. You get confused when you speak. This is also a serious symptom of HACE. |
| Blue lips and skin | This is a sign that the amount of oxygen the body is receiving is very low. Immediate treatment is needed. |
Who is at higher risk?
The main reason for this, as we discussed earlier, is that you gain height too quickly without giving your body time to adjust. But there are several other risk factors:
- The height of the climb: The higher you climb, the higher the risk.
- Speed of ascent: The risk is much greater for someone who goes to a high place all at once, whether by car or plane, than for someone who climbs a mountain on foot.
- Use of alcohol and certain medications: Drinking alcohol, especially sedatives, greatly increases the risk.
- If you have had this condition before: If you have had altitude sickness before, especially HAPE or HACE, you are more likely to get it again.
Many people think that if you exercise a lot and are fit, you won't get this. That's wrong. This condition can occur no matter how healthy or athletic you are. However, if you have respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD , or anemia , those symptoms may worsen when you go to high altitude. Therefore, it is very important for people with such conditions to talk to their doctor before going to high altitude.
How is it treated?
The only and best 'remedy' for this is to descend. When the body is lacking oxygen, the best thing to do is to go to a place with more oxygen.
Apart from that, there are other treatments depending on the condition:
1. Stop and rest: If you feel the first signs of AMS, stop ascending further immediately. Rest at the same altitude you are at for a day or two. Give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
2. Descending: If symptoms are severe (dizziness, fatigue, nausea) or getting worse, descend immediately. Usually, a significant relief is felt after descending about 1,000 feet (300 meters) .
3. Supplemental Oxygen: Providing oxygen from an oxygen cylinder can quickly reduce symptoms.
4. Medications: Some medications are used on the advice of a doctor. The most commonly used drug for this is Acetazolamide . Also, in severe cases like HAPE and HACE, medications like Dexamethasone and Nifedipine are also used. Never take these without a doctor's prescription.
How can you avoid this? (Prevention)
Altitude sickness is largely preventable. There are a few things you can do to prevent it. Keep these in mind when planning your next mountain trip.
| Prevention method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ascend Slowly | This is the most important thing. Generally, when going above 8,000 feet, it is best not to go up more than 1,000 - 1,500 feet (300-500 meters) per day . The altitude at which you sleep when you start the day is considered your base altitude. |
| Take Rest Days | During your ascent, take a day off at the same altitude without going any higher, about every three days. This is called an 'acclimatization day'. This gives your body plenty of time to adjust. |
| "Climb High, Sleep Low" | This is a popular method among climbers. If possible, climb up during the day and come down to a lower altitude to sleep at night. This will help your body acclimatize. |
| Take medications as directed by your doctor. | If you are at high risk, your doctor may advise you to take a medication like Acetazolamide the day before going to high altitude. |
| Drink plenty of water, no alcohol! | The body can become dehydrated quickly at high altitudes, so drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol completely for at least the first two days at high altitude. |
When should you see a doctor?
If you are planning a trip to a high mountain area, it is wise to talk to your doctor before you go . He or she can give you special advice, especially if you have other medical conditions.
When to go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU):
If you or someone you are with experiences any of the following serious symptoms, it is an emergency. Go downstairs and to a hospital emergency room (ETU) as soon as possible.
- Severe shortness of breath even at rest.
- Chest tightness or pain.
- Difficulty walking, stumbling, loss of balance (ataxia).
- Confusion or memory loss.
- Difficulty speaking, slurring of words.
- Excessive drowsiness, decreased consciousness.
These are signs of HAPE or HACE conditions. These can be life-threatening within hours. So never ignore these symptoms.
Take-Home Message
- Altitude sickness occurs when you move to a higher altitude too quickly without giving your body time to adjust.
- The most common and first symptom is a headache.
- The best and most immediate cure for this is to go back to a lower area.
- If you have trouble breathing, have difficulty walking, or become confused even at rest, it is a life-threatening emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
- The best way to protect yourself from this is to go uphill, take rest days along the way, and drink plenty of water.
- It is always wise to talk to your doctor and seek advice before traveling to high altitudes.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න