High-Altitude Illness: How to Avoid It and How to Treat It
Many people who go for skiing trip or for any other reasons, to a high altitude place, may developed health problems like shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea within few hours of arriving there. This is one of the main reasons for many people who discontinue their trip. This condition is termed as high altitude illness, as it occurs only when the person is at a place much above the sea level. The symptoms usually subside when the person descends down the place.
About high altitude illness
High altitude sickness can occur in anyone who is not accustomed to living in high altitudes. This is mostly seen in people who go skiing, mountain climbing, and backpacking for a holiday. One must always consult the doctor before taking a trip to areas at high altitudes.
As one goes to a higher altitude the air becomes thinner. At such high altitudes of 8000 feet and above, the body will not be able to get oxygen from the air. People living in lower altitudes find it very difficult to breathe at such high altitudes as their body is not accustomed to working in low oxygen levels. This is called as high altitude sickness. It is of three types- namely acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). HAPE affects the lungs where as HACE affects the brain.
Symptoms
The person with altitude sickness will have a headache and a feeling of lightheadedness. There will be weakness with a stomach upset and trouble falling asleep. There may be cough, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lethargy, swelling of hands, legs and face, retinal hemorrhages (bleeding spots in retina) and a feeling of confusion. Other severe symptoms include inability to walk in straight line and difficulty in breathing even while taking rest. These symptoms disappear when the person comes down to a lower altitude.
Acute mountain sickness is the most common form of altitude sickness in which symptoms develop within 6 to 10 hours after the climb. The symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, irritability, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and sleeping problem.
HAPE symptoms develop within 24 hours to 96 hours after ascent. The symptoms include bloody sputum, fever, bluish nails, lips and skin; gasping for breath and gurgling sound while breathing. The symptoms become worse at night and can also result in death of the person.
HACE symptoms include headache, confusion, uncoordinated movements, and ultimately the person goes into coma and death follows within a few hours.
Treatment
If the symptoms are severe, then the person has to come down to a lower altitude immediately, but if the symptoms are mild, then it is better to rest at the high altitude itself for some time till the body adjusts itself. One must never ignore the symptoms of altitude sickness as it can also be life threatening at times. The medications used for severe symptoms are nifedipine and acetazolamide (Diamox) 125mg to 250mg, twice a day. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs can be taken to relieve headache. Oxygen must be administered if there is acute shortness of breath.
Effect of medical conditions on altitude sickness
People with severe diseases like severe lung disease, severe heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe emphysema (progressive disease of lungs) and sickle cell anemia should not go to high altitudes as it may result in severe complications leading to death. It is not safe for pregnant women also to go above 8000 feet. Doctor must be consulted before taking any trip to high altitude regions.
Effect of high altitude on children
Children are likely to develop high altitude illness as their bodies find it difficult to adjust to low oxygen levels. The parents should be careful and watch out for symptoms as children cannot recognize symptoms on their own.
Preventing high altitude illness
To prevent high altitude illness the body should adjust to high altitudes. For this, one has to keep travelling to high altitudes to make the body adjust to low oxygen levels. This adjustment may take many days. The closer one lives to sea level, the harder it is to get adjusted to higher altitudes. Up to 8000 feet one can go safely without much difficulty, but beyond that one must go at a pace of 1000 feet per day (300 meters) taking rest on the 3rd or 4th day. Above 11,500 ft one must go up the altitude at a pace of 500 ft per day (150meters) taking rest for a day every 3rd or 4th day. Around 11,500 ft and above, one must spend two nights at the same altitude for every 600 meters (2000ft) gained.
Being comfortable at high altitudes
To be comfortable at high altitudes, one must avoid straining oneself on the day of arrival and eat small frequent meals that include easily digestible foods. Alcohol, sedatives and caffeine must be completely avoided. One must be able to recognize the high altitude symptoms and act fast. By taking all the necessary steps one can avoid serious complications and make the stay a memorable one.
