We’ll be taking a serious tone today, as this is a serious and very important topic. We’ll write a bit about AMS, that is to say acute mountain sickness, commonly known as altitude sickness or, less commonly – d’Acosta’s disease. It is a condition that most of you have probably heard of, and one that Anyone setting out for the high mountains should have at least a basic knowledge of the subject.
This condition, too, which we would all like to avoid, and which some of us, in any case, experiences in the mountains – especially when trekking in the Himalayas or expeditions to an altitude of over 3,000 metres.
We were prompted to write this article by which, in our view, cause a great deal of harm online reviews stating that, Just how easy is trekking in the Himalayas?, that for most of them there’s no need to prepare, and many trails have a level of difficulty comparable to that in the Bieszczady Mountains, so similar preparation (or a lack thereof…) is essential.
What’s more, we know that there are people who decide to travel w the higher reaches of the Himalayas (above 4,000 metres) without prior no mountaineering experience – even without a trip to the Karkonosze, let alone the Tatras. It is not uncommon for them to plan ambitious treks beyond their limits, covering one section of the route after another with a significant difference in altitude very quickly, without complying with safety rules in high mountains.
Convinced that, after all, they do take part in sport regularly, they are confident that this is sufficient to ensure the success of their expedition. A lack of humility in the face of the mountains – and sometimes even recklessness – will never be a good guide on the Himalayan trails.
Can anyone suffer from altitude sickness? Of course, the situations described are not common, but they do occur. We also agree that trekking difficulty levels it varies, and yes, there are There are easy routes in the Himalayas too, which, in terms of difficulty, can be compared to the Bieszczady trails – they are neither very high nor particularly demanding in terms of technique or fitness.
Don’t be fooled, though. The Himalayas are high mountains and can be dangerous, often when we least expect it. Altitude sickness can affect anyone – regardless of age, physical fitness or mountaineering experience.
What is altitude sickness and why is it so dangerous?
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a set of symptoms caused by oxygen deficiency at high altitudes. At what altitude does altitude sickness set in? The first symptoms may appear as early as at an altitude of 2,500–3,000 metres, but they most commonly affect trekkers above 3,500 metres above sea level.
Why does altitude sickness occur? The higher we climb, the there is less oxygen available in the air. At a height of 5,500 metres (such as Everest Base Camp) Only about 50% of oxygen is available relative to sea level. The body doesn’t have time to adapt, if we climb too quickly.
The main causes of AMS that is too rapid an increase in altitude, inadequate acclimatisation, dehydration and individual aptitude – Some people are simply more prone to altitude sickness, regardless of their fitness level.
The most dangerous forms of altitude sickness that is HAPE (High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) and HACE (High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema), which can be fatal without immediate treatment and descent to a lower altitude.
Symptoms of altitude sickness – how can you recognise AMS?
How can you recognise altitude sickness? Symptoms of AMS can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Recognising the symptoms It could save a life – yours or that of your fellow travellers.
Mild symptoms of altitude sickness: Headache (the most common symptom), nausea and loss of appetite, dizziness, general weakness and tiredness, sleep problems and mild shortness of breath during exercise.
Moderate symptoms of AMS: Severe headache, which does not subside after taking painkillers, persistent vomiting, a significant deterioration in motor coordination, shortness of breath at rest and swelling of the face and hands.
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness (HAPE/HACE): Cough with bloody sputum, difficulty breathing, even at rest, impaired consciousness and disorientation, difficulties with walking and maintaining balance, a bluish tinge around the mouth and nails and extreme exhaustion.
When does altitude sickness become dangerous? If there are any severe symptoms, it is necessary to an immediate descent to a lower altitude i evacuation to hospital. Delaying could cost lives.
Preventing altitude sickness whilst trekking
How can you avoid altitude sickness? The most effective method is proper acclimatisation and compliance with the principles of safe high-altitude climbing.
The „climb high, sleep low” principle” that’s the basis safe acclimatisation. This means that you can climb to greater heights during the day, but You should spend the night as low down as possible. Above 3,000 metres one should not increase the altitude by more than 300–500 metres per day.
Acclimatisation days It’s not a luxury, but necessity. Every third day should be a day of rest at the same altitude, allowing the body to adapt. The best places for acclimatisation during popular treks, these are Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) on the route to Everest Base Camp, or Manang (3,519 m) on the Annapurna Circuit.
Adequate hydration is crucial – it is essential to drink 3–4 litres of fluids a day. Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills is just as important, because they may mask the symptoms altitude sickness and make it difficult to breathe.
Treatment of altitude sickness in the field
What should you do if you experience symptoms of AMS? The fundamental principle of treatment altitude sickness is to stop climbing immediately i monitoring of symptoms.
Mild symptoms can be treated rest, hydration i painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol). If the symptoms do not subside after 24–48 hours or are getting worse, It is necessary to descend to a lower altitude.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) It is a medicine that can to help prevent and alleviate symptoms AMS. How does Diamox work? It speeds up the acclimatisation process by increased respiratory rate. Dosage: usually 125–250 mg twice a day, but always after consulting a doctor.
Dexamethasone It is a reserve medicine used in in severe cases AMS, HAPE or HACE. It does not treat the cause, but reduces brain oedema and gives time for descent to a lower altitude or evacuation.
When is evacuation necessary? If you experience symptoms HAPE or HACE Every minute counts. Immediate descent by at least 500–1,000 metres It could save a life. In extreme cases it may be necessary to helicopter evacuation.
Myths and facts about altitude sickness
Myth: „Young, fit people do not suffer from altitude sickness” Fact: Age and physical fitness offer no protection before AMS. It is often young, well-trained people who they’re climbing too fast, ignoring the symptoms.
Myth: „If I haven’t had AMS before, I won’t get it” Fact: Susceptibility to altitude sickness may vary and there is no guarantee, …that someone who has not had any problems before will not develop AMS on their next expedition.
Myth: „Diamox is a miracle cure for altitude sickness” Fact: Diamox helps with acclimatisation, but does not replace the correct climbing pace. This support tool, not a solution to all problems.
Myth: „You can get used to the altitude at home” Fact: Proper acclimatisation is only possible at a height of. None training sessions in a hyperbaric chamber or training masks cannot be replaced by genuine acclimatisation in the mountains.
Altitude sickness that is a serious threat, which it can affect anyone on his way to the high mountains. Recognising the symptoms, adherence to acclimatisation guidelines i humility in the face of the mountains that is the key to a safe journey w The Himalayas or others high mountain ranges. Remember: the mountains will always be there, but you only have one health.
