Tibet Tour丨59 Tips about Travelling to Tibet - No.1

What is altitude sickness? What are the symptoms of altitude sickness? How to prevent acute mountain sickness?

New York, NY (prHWY.com) February 4, 2013 - What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness--also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude illness, hypobaropathy,"The altitude bends", or soroche--is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet). It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". It is hard to determine who will be affected by altitude sickness, as there are no specific factors that correlate with a susceptibility to altitude sickness. However, most people can ascend to 2,400 metres (8,000 ft) without difficulty.

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
* Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
* Fatigue or weakness
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Insomnia
* Pins and needles
* Shortness of breath upon exertion
* Nosebleed
* Persistent rapid pulse
* Drowsiness
* General malaise
* Peripheral oedema (swelling of hands, feet, and face).

To prevent acute mountain sickness:

* Ascend slowly. Have frequent rest days, spending two to three nights at each rise of 1000m. If you reach a high altitude by trekking, acclimatisation takes place gradually and you are less likely to be affected than if you fly directly to high altitude.

* Trekkers should bear in mind the climber's adage of 'climb high, sleep low'. It is always wise to sleep at a lower altitude than the greatest height that's reached during the day. High day climbs followed by a descent back to lower altitudes for the night are very good preparation for high-altitude trekking. Also, once above 3000m, care should be taken not to increase the sleeping altitude by more than 400m per day. If the terrain won't allow for less than 400m of elevation gain, be ready to take an extra day off before tackling the climb.

* Drink extra fluids. Tibet's mountain air is cold and dry, and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.

* Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals to keep up energy.

* Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don't smoke.

* Avoid sedatives.

* When trekking, take a day off to rest and acclimatise if feeling overtired. If you or anyone else in your party is having a tough time, make allowances for unscheduled stops.

* Don't push yourself when climbing up to passes; rather, take plenty of breaks. You can usually get over the pass as easily tomorrow as you can today. Try to plan your itinerary so that long ascents can be divided into two or more days. Given the complexity and unknown variables involved with AMS and acclimatisation, trekkers should always err on the side of caution and ascend mountains slowly.

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