Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness occurs when your body does not have time to adapt to the reduced availability of oxygen at high altitudes . Generally, it can be prevented and treated. In severe cases, it can quickly become a life-threatening concern. Recognizing symptoms early is crucial to stopping your ascent, which can prevent complications or worsening of symptoms.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is the term used to describe medical conditions that can occur when you move to a higher altitude too quickly. As you go up, the atmosphere becomes thinner. This means that by breathing the same amount of air, you get less oxygen than at a lower altitude. Altitude sickness occurs when your body has difficulty adjusting to the difference in the amount of oxygen you receive with each breath.
Altitude sickness usually occurs above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet), although some people may be affected at lower altitudes. Risk factors include having previously experienced altitude sickness, engaging in strenuous activities, and ascending quickly. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and is confirmed in those who present a significant decrease in their activities. It is recommended that, at high altitude, any symptoms of headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or vomiting be considered as possible altitude sickness.
Prevention of altitude sickness is achieved by increasing elevation gradually, no more than 300 meters (1,000 feet) per day. Being in good physical shape does not reduce the risk. In general, getting down and consuming enough fluids can relieve symptoms. Mild cases may be improved with ibuprofen, acetazolamide, or dexamethasone. Severe cases may benefit from oxygen therapy, and if descent is not possible, a portable hyperbaric bag may be used. However, treatment efforts have not been well studied.
Altitude sickness symptoms
People have different levels of susceptibility to altitude sickness; For some healthy people, acute altitude sickness can begin to manifest itself at 2,000 meters (6,600 feet) above sea level, as occurs in many mountain ski resorts, with a pressure equivalent to 80 kilopascals (0. 79 atm). This is the most common type of altitude sickness. Symptoms usually appear within ten hours after ascent and generally disappear within two days, although they can sometimes progress to more serious conditions. Symptoms include headache, confusion, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, and sleep disturbances. Physical exertion can aggravate these symptoms.
El mal de altura puede provocar una variedad de sÃntomas que varÃan en severidad. Los sÃntomas del mal agudo de montaña generalmente se manifiestan dentro del primer dÃa después de alcanzar altitudes elevadas. Las formas más graves, como el edema pulmonar de altitud (HAPE) o el edema cerebral de altitud (HACE), suelen aparecer más tarde, tÃpicamente entre dos y cinco dÃas después.
- Headache (this is the most common symptom).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue, even when resting.
- General malaise (a noticeable feeling of feeling sick).
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Dizziness or feeling dizzy.
- Changes in vision (although rare, these usually indicate more severe altitude sickness and are caused by ruptures of blood vessels in the retinas).
Cause of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness typically begins to manifest at altitudes around 1,500 meters (4,900 feet) and becomes more severe at extreme heights exceeding 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). Trips above 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) are brief due to the need for supplemental oxygen to prevent illness.
As altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure decreases, reducing the amount of oxygen available to sustain mental and physical alertness. Despite this, the percentage of oxygen in the air remains stable at approximately 21% up to 21,000 meters (69,000 feet). The ratio of oxygen to nitrogen also remains unchanged until reaching stratospheric heights, as the RMS velocities of diatomic nitrogen and oxygen are similar.
Dehydration at higher altitudes may exacerbate symptoms of altitude sickness due to increased water vapor loss from the lungs.
Factors contributing to the onset and severity of altitude illness include the rate of ascent, maximum altitude reached, level of physical exertion at high altitudes, and individual susceptibility.
Altitude sickness typically follows rapid ascents and can often be prevented by ascending gradually. Symptoms are usually temporary and diminish as the body acclimatizes to the altitude. However, in severe cases, altitude sickness can be life-threatening.
High altitude illness is categorized by altitude: high (1,500–3,500 meters or 4,900–11,500 feet), very high (3,500–5,500 meters or 11,500–18,000 feet), and extreme (above 5,500 meters or 18,000 feet).
Prevention
Is it possible to prevent altitude sickness?
Some effective measures to prevent altitude sickness include gradually ascending to high altitudes, allowing the body to acclimatize naturally. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain adequate hydration and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a balanced, carbohydrate-rich diet can also help provide the energy needed to cope with the physical demands of altitude. Finally, listening to your body and resting adequately during acclimatization are key steps in preventing altitude-related complications.
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Control the speed of your ascent: Ascending too quickly and too far increases the risk of altitude sickness. A gradual ascent is best for preventing this condition. For instance, at elevations around 8,202 feet (2,500 meters), it's recommended to ascend no more than 984 feet (300 meters) to 1,640 feet (500 meters) per day. Start each day's ascent from where you slept the previous night. If you fly to a high-altitude destination and ascend rapidly early on, take this into consideration in your plans.
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Take breaks to acclimatize: Experts advise resting for a day upon reaching 8,202 feet (2,500 meters) to adjust to the altitude. As you continue to ascend, schedule a rest day every third day. Above 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), it's recommended to rest for two days per 1,000 feet gained.
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Sleep at a lower altitude whenever possible: Ascend during the day and descend to a lower altitude to sleep. This approach can reduce the severity of altitude sickness and aid in acclimatization.
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Consider preventive medications: Medications such as acetazolamide or nifedipine can prevent and treat altitude sickness. .
Additional
- Gradual acclimatization: Try to climb no more than 300-500 meters per day above 2,500 meters.
- Adequate hydration: Drink enough water to stay hydrated during your stay at high altitudes.
- Rest and sleep: Make sure you get adequate rest and sleep enough to allow your body to adjust.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption, as they can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Balanced diet: Maintain a light and balanced diet, avoiding heavy meals that may affect digestion.
- Medication: Consider carrying medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) if it has been recommended to you by a doctor.
- Awareness of symptoms: Educate your group about the symptoms of altitude sickness to recognize them in time.
- Avoid excessive physical exertion: Do not perform strenuous exercises during the first 24 hours after reaching high altitude.
- Health insurance: Make sure you have health insurance that covers emergencies at high altitudes.
- Prior medical consultation: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consult with your doctor before the trip.
Gradually increasing altitude is the most effective method to prevent altitude sickness. Refraining from vigorous activities like skiing or hiking during the initial 24 hours at high altitude can help alleviate symptoms of AMS. Alcohol and sleeping pills act as respiratory depressants, hindering the acclimatization process, and should be avoided. Alcohol also dehydrates the body and worsens AMS symptoms. Therefore, it is best to abstain from alcohol consumption during the first 24-48 hours at higher altitudes.
