High altitude trekking can offer stunning views, thrilling adventures and often unanticipated risks. Trekup India believes that education is the most effective line of defense against these risks. Knowing about High-Altitude Pulmonary Embolia (HAPE), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema is vital to ensure your safety when trekking at higher altitudes.
What Causes High-Altitude Illness?
At altitudes of more than 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) oxygen levels start to decrease as you ascend higher and your body takes time to adjust, since breathing in less oxygen requires an adjustments from you. Inability to adjust can result in medical conditions related to altitude (AMS or, even more severe, HACE or HAPE). If this happens to you, severe consequences may occur, including acute respiratory distress syndrome.
1. Early Warning Signs of Acute Mountain Sickness
The warning signs that are early start between 6 and 24 hours after climbing to an altitude of between 3000 and 2,500 meters.
Common symptoms include persistent headache, lightheadedness or dizziness
Fatigue that persists even after rest or a loss of appetite nausea or vomiting, breathing issues at a low level, all can indicate fatigue.
Stop climbing in the event that one of these signs occur rest and then be sure to monitor the same elevation. Do light exercise/hydration will help to relieve symptoms as soon as you can.
2. High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in the Lungs
The condition usually manifests 2 to 4 days after rapid ascent.
Symptoms: Increased Shortness of Breath Even While Relaxed
The symptoms could be the throat becoming gurgling and wet chest tightness or congestion.
Fingernails and lips that are blue could be a sign of a deficiency in oxygen.
Rapid heartbeat
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