Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure nominal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some have an effect on of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly a light headed, which is quite common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.

Our expert and trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are trekking, so you should not worry about it, we do however recommend you get advice from you travel doctor or health advisor before you leave. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the affects

We categorize for altitude sickness and symptoms in three stages.

1. Normal Symptoms

Following are the normal altitude symptoms that you should expect but not be worried about. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

» Periods of sleeplessness.
» Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)
» Irregular loss of hunger.
» Dreaming more especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
» Intervallic breathing.
» The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters.

2. Mild Symptoms

Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.

Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Weakness, Sleeplessness, Dry Raspy cough, Fatigue/Tired, Loss of apatite, Runny nose, Hard to breath.

What to do if a mild symptom doesn't go way?

» If you find mild symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax and drink some drinks. Drink frequently.
» If mild symptoms developing while walking, stop have rest and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water and consider staying close by.
» If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of times.
» If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
» If mild symptoms continue getting worse try descending for a few hours which may be more beneficial than staying at the same altitude. Going higher will definitely make it worse. You're here to enjoy trekking not to feel sick.

3. Serious Symptoms

» Harsh headache.
» Continual vomiting.
» Losing consciousness .
» Difficulty breathing.
» Hasty breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
» Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
» If serious symptoms get in mountain to go down and call to doctor is the only one way, even why not you take a helicopter rescue to safe your life.
» What should you do for altitude sickness?
» Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
» Don't go too far too fast.
» No Alcohol and Smoking.
» Drink 3-4 Liters a day, clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
» Climb high and sleep low.
» Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
» Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
» Never leave or descent sick person along.
» Stay away from getting cold.
» Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.