Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is one of the health issues that arise from getting to high altitudes suddenly. It is typically experienced at heights exceeding 2,500 meters where the oxygen levels in the air start to decrease. In an amazingly beautiful country like Nepal, there are really popular trekking spots like Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu which even go way beyond this elevation.
Thus, people who are going to be trekking in the Himalayas must know about altitude sickness and how to keep it at bay.
At high altitudes, it takes the human body some time to accommodate the reduced oxygen availability. Traveling at a rapid pace without giving oneself enough time to rest might result in the body not being adequately adjusted, and this would be a precursor to altitude sickness. Keep in mind that anyone can get altitude sickness irrespective of their age, physical fitness, or experience level. Even seasoned trekkers can fall victim to it if proper safety measures are not observed.
Initially, altitude sickness symptoms are pretty light. The common complaints among trekkers are headache, loss of energy, dizziness, appetite loss, or sleeping problems. Besides, a few may even suffer from nausea or vomiting. This set of symptoms constitute early warning signs and therefore, should not be overlooked. If a person goes to a higher altitude ignoring these signs, the condition may worsen. Some individuals in acute stages may have difficulty breathing even without doing anything, suffer from disorientation, have a hard time walking, experience chest pain, or go through relentless vomiting. If no intervention is done at this stage, the situation could be life-threatening.
Going extremely high very fast without adequate acclimatization is the primary cause of altitude sickness. Besides that, other contributing factors can be insufficient water intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and ignoring the signals given by your body. Hence, it becomes very crucial to stick to a proper trekking itinerary that includes rest days. A gradual and steady elevation gain is always the safest and most enjoyable way to trek.
On top of that, you should always remember that prevention is better than cure when it comes to altitude sickness. One way to do so is by trekking at a leisurely pace and not rushing at all. Also, drinking water regularly throughout the day is very essential to keep the body adequately hydrated. A balanced diet, plus sufficient sleep facilitate the acclimatization process of the body as well. It is highly recommended that you refrain from alcohol and smoking while on the trek. Ultimately, adhering to your guide’s instructions and taking care of your body are the most crucial things that you can do for your safety.
It is very important to take even the slightest symptoms of altitude sickness seriously. In cases where symptoms are not too severe, it is advisable to remain at the same altitude and consume lots of water. You should tell your guide right away so they can keep an eye on you. Some trekkers take Diamox medicine which has been found to be effective in preventing or alleviating the symptoms of altitude sickness. But when symptoms get worse, the most proper and most effective thing to do is to get down to a lower altitude without delay. Under emergency circumstances, access to oxygen and medical assistance could be the right thing to do. Going down is considered as the most secure, effective, and surest way to get treatment.
At Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday P.L, your safety remains a priority above all others. We include proper acclimatization days in all our trekking schedules so that your body gets the chance to adjust naturally. Our highly skilled and experienced guides not only will be monitoring your health at all times, but they will also be providing you support and showing you the way throughout the trek. If there is an emergency, we can provide you with prompt assistance and evacuate you if necessary. A safe journey, in our opinion, is what overall makes a trekking experience in Nepal unforgettable.
It is just as important to be equipped correctly with the necessary gear before the trek. You have to make sure that you take warm clothing, a reusable water bottle, personal medicines, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Being prepared is a major factor in your comfort and safety while traveling in the mountains.
Every trekker is going to know about altitude sickness, but this fact shouldn’t be the one that prevents you from witnessing Nepal’s spectacular nature. Thanks to good planning, guidance, and knowledge, one can have a safe enjoyable trekking experience and make the Himalayas the backdrop of their memories.
When you decide to make your trip plans for Nepal, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at any time.
Call or WhatsApp: +977-9843098218 / +977-9828049882
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email: info@nepalroyaltreks.com