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
Trekup India Tip:
HAPE is life-threatening. Rapid descent (at at least 500-1000 metres per day) could be the only option oxygen therapy or medications like Nifedipine could help, but evacuation should not be impaired.
3. High-Altitude Cerebral Edema: Brain Swelling
Most often, it occurs at elevations of 4,000m, but it can appear below.
Symptoms:
A severe and split.
Trekup India Tip:
HACE is a medical emergency that should be addressed and the descent should be initiated immediately, with dexamethasone being taken under supervision along with oxygen, if available, in the event that oxygen tanks aren't. A person suffering from HACE shouldn't be left on their own during an adventure.
What Trekup India Recommends You Carry
Pulse oximeter: It is used to measure the blood oxygen level.
Diamox (Acetazolamide): can aid in acclimatisation. Consult your healthcare professional.
Dexamethasone is an emergency steroid for use only under medical guidance.
Nifedipine is a medication to treat HAPE.
Portable Oxygen Cylinders: Portable oxygen cylinders are perfect for trekkers tackling high-altitude terrain.
Plan of Evacuation: For best outcomes, always go with an experienced guide.
Conclusion
At altitudes of more than 4000 feet can be a thrilling experience, if done in a safe and responsible manner. Anyone can be susceptible to ailments caused by altitude, such as HAPE HACE, or AMS and it is important to be aware of their symptoms and take the appropriate actions. Trekup India trek leaders are experienced in dealing with medical emergencies. All our treks are equipped with buffers to aid in acclimatisation, medical checkups as well as briefings.
About the Author: Trekking Expertise You Can Trust
Content Writer
Kanishk has lived in these hills all his life, so every time he wished to travel somewhere, the hills were his calling card. He completed his schooling in Dehradun and graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. As a result, he was open to sharing in detail his personal experience of exploring with friends and his family. He then looked through different career choices but couldn’t find something that made him happy and content. Until he got an opportunity to work in a traveling company and that to trekking. In his mind, this was like the mountains calling, and he began explaining the adventure of going to the hills to people.
