I once purchased a sealed packet of crisps at the beginning of a road trip from Punjab to Shimla and by the time I’d arrived, the packet had expanded and was about to burst under pressure. Just like the crisp packet, our bodies can be affected when exposed to significant changes in altitude. This condition is known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness and pretty much affects anyone travelling to higher altitude areas. 

People tend to experience different symptoms in various levels of intensity, but as a general rule the quicker you climb to a higher level, the more likely you will suffer. AMS tends to kick in at approximately 2,400m above sea level; when our bodies are exposed to lower oxygen levels and reduced air pressure. You will notice the symptoms within hours of the change and in India it’s especially important to take extra care, as many hill stations expose you to these higher altitudes where AMS is likely to affect you.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  • Breathlessness
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty Sleeping
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Disorientation
  • Loss Of balance
  • Uncontrollable farting!
  • Coughing up phlegm
  • Pale complexion

Descend

By far the best cure for AMS is to descend. In other words travel back down to a lower altitude level as quickly and as safely as possible.

 

Go Slow

They say that the quicker you climb to a higher altitude, then the more likely you are to suffer from AMS. In this way travel slowly if possible. If you fly or travel quickly to a high altitude zone in a motorised vehicle then spend a few days acclimatising before you get active or climb any further.

 

Acclimatise

In most cases spending a few days resting is enough for your body to get adjusted, so always factor this in to your travel program when visiting hilly areas and before moving about too much.

 

Hydrate

Try to stay well hydrated (drink at least two litres of water per day) and try to avoid drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours of being in a high altitude zone.

 

Seek Medical Help

If your symptoms persist after 24 hours, then it’s always advisable to seek medical help as soon as possible.

 

Taking Medicines

There are some medicines that can be taken to prevent AMS. The most widely used is acetazolamide (Diamox®). These medicines are most suitable for people who have been known to have problems in the past or who unavoidably have to ascend more quickly than recommended. Please note that the routine use of acetazolamide before ascent is not recommended. The better strategy for prevention is to ascend slowly and to be aware of any developing symptoms and address them quickly.

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