High Altitude Sickness in the Himalayas, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a condition that can affect individuals who ascend to high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). The Himalayas, with their towering peaks and challenging terrain, are a prime location where individuals may experience high altitude sickness. The sickness occurs when the body does not adjust well to the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes.
The major cause of high altitude sickness is ascending to a height greater than 2,800m of 9000 ft. too rapidly. Giving the body little to no time to get used to the thinner air and lower oxygen levels triggers AMS.
The primary signifier of altitude sickness is a persistent headache. however, if not addressed in time, it may develop into more complicated variations such as high-altitude cerebral oedema and high-altitude pulmonary oedema.
What is the Healthy Level of Oxygen to Prevent High Altitude Sickness?
You must constantly monitor your oxygen level to ensure that you do not suffer from high altitude sickness. The following table summarizes the healthy oxygen level in your body during high-altitude trekking
Altitude | Healthy Oxygen Level |
---|---|
< 1350m | 90-95% |
< 2800m | 92-93% |
< 3400m | 85-90% |
< 4000m | 80-83% |
< 5000m | 75-80% |
< 5500m | 70-75% |
Altitude Sickness Symptoms:
If you have limited experience in mountainous areas and are not used to high altitudes, you are most vulnerable to AMS. The first symptoms begin to show 12 to 24 hours after arriving at high altitudes, and they vary on the level of sickness you’re experiencing.
High altitude sickness in the Himalayas is also important to know that the severity of the symptoms depends on personal circumstances such as your age, weight, blood pressure, and respiratory functional capacity. In addition, it depends on how fast you ascend to a higher altitude and how long you stay there. Some mild symptoms of AMS that you may experience are:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness and headache
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms may worsen during the night time.
Some more intense symptoms could be:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeplessness
- Constant headache
- Dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, and heaviness in legs
- Light swelling of the hands, feet, and face
- Breathlessness and irregular breathing
- Infrequent urination
Altitude Sickness Prevention:
High altitude sickness in the Himalayas is mostly unavoidable but it is definitely preventable. Adhering to the following measures will certainly help you prevent AMS:
- Take your time ascending. Go slow in higher altitudes.
- Avoid flying directly to high altitudes.
- Take 2-3 days to acclimatize.
- Rest every 3-4 days while ascending.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours.
- Stay hydrated at all times.
- Avoid cigarettes, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Consume a light, but high-calorie diet.
The following are some medicines that you can take to prevent AMS:
- Diamox (Acetazolamide): Start 1-2 days before your trek, and continue throughout.
- Paracetamol for the headaches
- Anti-nausea/sickness medicine (such as Avomine)
Keep in mind that previous experience with high-altitude trekking does not mean you will not experience AMS. However, you may experience similar symptoms due to dehydration. Make sure to speak with your guide about your discomfort so that they can help you identify and treat your problem instantly!
Suggestions on Dealing with Altitude Sickness:
A common misconception is expecting Altitude sickness only during climbing expeditions on some of the best climbing peaks in Nepal such as Mera Peak and Manaslu Peak. But, the truth is that even on high-altitude treks like the Everest base camp trek, and the Annapurna base camp trek, you will most probably experience altitude sickness. You have to be constantly vigilant during your treks, so here are some ways to treat Altitude Sickness.
- If you can, then descend to a lower elevation.
- If not, then stop and rest where you are for at least 24 hours.
- Get some pure oxygen administered.
- Use a Gamow bag. It helps to increase the air pressure around you.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat headaches and dizziness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the first signs of altitude sickness?
Generally, the first symptoms of high altitude sickness in the Himalayas begin to show 12-24 hours after arriving at high altitudes. The different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms. Symptoms of mild, short-term altitude sickness are dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, general loss of energy, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, these symptoms may be accompanied by headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Will I get high altitude sickness in the Himalayas on the trek?
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness usually occurs when people try to ascend too quickly in altitudes beyond 2,500m (8,202ft.). It is very difficult to predict whether a trekker will get altitude sickness on the trek or not, but in the end, everything depends on factors like prior exercises, previous hiking experience in high elevations, food & sleep, current hiking pace, physical fitness, medical conditions and mental health, and more.
How do I prevent high altitude sickness in the Himalayas during the trek?
High Altitude Sickness in the Himalayas, as recommended by our trekking leaders are as follows:
- Slow ascend with proper rest and enough acclimatization
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times
- Eat sufficiently a healthy balanced diet during the entire trek and sleep well
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco products on the trek
- Be head-strong and mentally prepared
- Train your body to cope with uphill hikes with enough cardiovascular or gym workouts, at least 3 months prior to the trek