Our well trained guides will advise you about any health requirements and also altitude sickness while you are in trekking and climbing, so you don't have to 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
There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.
1. Normal AMS Symptoms - Should expect but not worry.
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.
1. Periods of sleeplessness.
2. Need more sleep than normal
3. Occasional loss of appetite.
4. Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.
5. Periodic breathing.
6. The need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above
3500 meters.
7. Running nose.
8. Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign).
9. Dizziness.
2. Mild AMS Symptoms - NEVER GO HIGHER
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.
1. Mild headache.
2. Nausea
3. Dizziness.
4. Weakness.
5. Sleeplessness.
6. Dry Raspy cough.
7. Tired.
8. Loss of appetite.
9. Running nose.
10. Hard to breath.
What to do when you get mild symptoms?
1. If you find mild symptoms developing while trekking, stop and relax (with your head out of sun) and drink some fluids. Drink frequently.
2. If mild symptoms developing while trekking, stop have rest, drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. It generally takes one to four hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water.
3. If symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.
4. If symptoms partially go away but are still annoying it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.
5. 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 AMS Symptoms - IMMEDIATE DESCENT
1. Persistent, severe headache.
2. Persistent vomiting.
3. An inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk.
4. Losing consciousness.
5. Mental confusion.
6. Liquid sounds in the lungs.
7. Difficulty breathing.
8. Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.
9. Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).
10. Marked blueness of face and lips.
11. High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute)
12. Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
Dangerous cases of AMS
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
This is a build-up of fluid around the brain. In most cases the first five symptoms on the mild and severe lists previously. Coma from HACE can lead to unconsciousness are death within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms, but normally takes 1-2 days to develop. At the first sign of ataxia begin treatment with medication, oxygen and descent. Usually 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first does, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 litres /minute oxygen. Descent is necessary but a PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag will often be used first if available.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
This is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs and is very serious. It is responsible for all the other mild and serious symptoms and it is often accompanied by a mild fever. By far the treatment is oxygen at 4 liters a minute but using PAC (portable altitude chamber) bag treatment is a good substitute. If there is no PAC bag or oxygen then descent will be life saving. HAPE can lead to unconsciousness are death very quick.
Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
1. Make sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
2. Don't make rapid Ascent.
3. Don't' use Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day, clean boiled water / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
5. Climb high and sleep low.
6. Don't go trekking alone, take guide/porter.
7. Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local people, guide book.
8. Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
9. Never leave or descent sick person along.
10. Avoid getting cold.
11. Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer.
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups, expeditions and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
1. Bandage for sprains
2. Plasters/Band-aids
3. Iodine or water filter (optional)
4. Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
5. Antiseptic ointment for cuts
6. Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
7. Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
8. Oral rehydration salts
9. Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
10. Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
11. Diarrhea stopper (Imodium - optional)
12. Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria.
13. Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
-Gel hand cleaner.
