Altitude Sickness

Scaling mountains and going on hiking trips is fun, but most often, altitude sickness could play spoilsport. Mountain climbers, hikers, and those who travel to places those are at a higher altitude experience nausea, headaches and loss of appetite. All these are symptoms of Altitude sickness. This is usually experienced at heights above 2400 meters. It occurs when a person doesn’t get enough oxygen because of the ‘thin’ air. The symptoms remain until the body gets used to the new conditions, and then subside on their own. Altitude sickness is also called mountain sickness, High altitude cerebral/pulmonary edema and altitude anorexia.

                Causes:  At high altitudes, the atmospheric oxygen is at a lower percentage. Since the air becomes thinner due to less oxygen, the amount of oxygen intake in each breath also decreases. The body is thus denied adequate oxygen levels for normal functioning. Lower air pressure induces fluid leakage from capillaries into the tissues of lungs and brain, thereby congesting them, and making them swell.

                Symptoms:  At first, the symptoms are mild, but as the person continues higher and higher, the symptoms aggravate and may even lead to life threatening situations. Mild symptoms include difficulty in sleeping, giddiness, anorexia, rapid heartbeat and breathing difficulties. At a more severe stage, the symptoms include chest congestion, paling of skin, confusion and reduced consciousness, inability to perform controlled actions, bluish coloration of lips and severe nausea. Symptoms usually begin 6 hours after reaching high altitudes and persist a day or two after coming back to lower heights.

                Diagnosis and treatment:  Crackling sounds in the lung, when detected by a stethoscope, indicate pulmonary edema. A chest X-Ray is also performed. If the symptoms persist even after coming to lower altitudes, hospitalization becomes necessary. Proper rest and appropriate drug treatment is necessary. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is prescribed to stimulate breathing and cure mild symptoms. A respirator is also used to relieve difficulty in breathing. Pulmonary edema is treated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Dexamethasone is used to treat cerebral edema. Portable hyperbaric chambers are used by hikers to simulate low altitude conditions at high altitudes, when climbing down has to be delayed due to unfavorable circumstances.

                Prevention: Only those who are physically fit must attempt mountain climbing. Depressants like alcohol and tobacco must be avoided, as they reduce the rate of respiration, thereby reducing oxygen intake. Taking a prior dose of acetazolamide (Diamox) may help in prevention of sickness or delaying the symptoms. Intake of carbohydrate rich food like cereals and bread is advisable. Since the body takes time in getting used to changing conditions, the speed of ascent should be slow, especially in the first 24 hours. Drinking a lot of fluids is essential to compensate for dehydration. Those intending long hiking trips must carry a sufficient supply of oxygen.