the relative issue of acute mountain sickness while climbing a mountain

Issue Of Acute Mountain Sickness While Climbing A Mountain

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"The glittering shine of height seems so beautiful, but every beautifulrose has its own thorns!“

Climbing a mountain has always allured people from far overseas forits adventure and beauty. We get excited by the very idea of imaginingour self of standing on the peak of the mountain. The feeling ofsummiting the peak of the mountain, the dare and the passion are likeaddictive drugs. You never get enough of it.

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But reaching the height is not that simple, it has a monster called 'AMS'waiting for you in between.

1 - AMS Bole To? (AMS Meaning?) 2 - How Do AMS Occur?

3 - Ok, Now How Can I Avoid Or Prevent It? 4 - Upon Arrival

5 - Hydration 6 - Ascend Gradually 7-Climb High, Sleep Low



AMS Bole To? (AMS Meaning?)

AMS stands for Acute Mountain Sickness. It is a condition in which, onehas an adverse effect of hypoxia at an altitude above 2500 m. In simpleterms, you start feeling anxious and face various health issues due to theshortage of oxygen on height. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,Increase in heart rate, breathlessness, headache, depression, weakness,insomnia, and irritability are all common symptoms of AMS.



How Do AMS Occur?

As altitude increases about 2500 m, its atmospheric pressure decreases.Due to which the oxygen molecules per breath is reduced, which in turnmeans heart and lungs need to work overtime in order to compensate.Due to which it ultimately leads to AMS.



Ok, Now How Can I Avoid Or Prevent It?

No worries, there are solutions for this hazard which can be followed toget rid of this sickness. If necessary precautions are taken, one can avoidthis sickness or even if it occurs then you can cure it.



Upon Arrival :

When you fly directly into a high altitude city, be sure to take it easy forthe first few days. Gradually increase your workload. Factor in sometouristy activities that involve walking. Going straight from the airport tothe start of your trek is potentially putting yourself at the risk of AMS.



Hydration :

From the time you arrive at the start, drink at least 3 liters of water perday. When you hit the trail, drink even more! The air is drier and thinnerat higher altitude. However, at cooler temperatures many hikers makethe mistake of not drinking enough water. The initial symptoms of AMSare similar to those of dehydration. So people often assume they haveAMS when actually they are simply dehydrated. Either way, you have todrink enough water. You may be peeing like a racehorse, but you will feelbetter for it. A good indicator as to whether or not you are sufficientlyhydrated is your urine. Darker color indicates lack of water intake. Whenyou are at height altitudes, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine, especiallyduring the first few days of your hike. Both increases dehydration.



Ascend Gradually :

Don’t overexert in the initial stages of your hike. Pace yourself. Aim atbecoming progressively stronger as the trek continues. Think tortoiserather than hare. Practice climbing lower peaks before your attempt.This will make your body use to it. I know a person who attempted Mt.Kilimanjaro directly. He was recommended to go Ladakh before the trekas it is on higher altitude. But he ignored. While on the trek he got AMSand unfortunately he had to leave the expedition mid way.



Climb High, Sleep Low :

Climb high, sleep low is the strategy by which you sleep at a lowerelevation to which you have ascended during the day. It is said that whenhiking above 3000 m (9843 ft), you should not increase your sleepingaltitude (i.e. the altitude at which you make camp) by any more than 300m (984 ft) per day. This is a conservative estimate, but considering thepotential dangers of AMS, nothing represents a useful benchmark forpeople who are new to high altitude trekking. In the beginning, it isalways better to be on the side of caution.



Treatment :

• Drink lots of water (at least 4 liters per day).If necessary thentake a couple of ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache.

• Rest once symptoms have occurred. It could take two to threedays. It should be ok to continue ascending once you are fine.



Treatment :

• If your symptoms are severe, then even Diamox or any othermedication (such as Dexamethasone) can’t help you. Your only option isto descend.

• In case of severe AMS symptoms, Descend immediately (at least500m). Seek medical attention ASAP.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY TREKKING :)


the relative issue of acute mountain sickness while climbing a mountain

Healthcare