Altitude Sickness

Definition: the effects (as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure 3 different forms of altitude sickness Acute mountain sickness (AMS) High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) High altitude cerebral oedema (HACE)

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How to Attempt to Prevent Altitude Sickness: Do not rush your climb Give 2-3 days to acclimatise yourself. Drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) Try to keep warm Climb during the day, spend the night at height your acclimatised to

Symptoms: Mild Altitude Sickness (AMS) Headache Nausea Dizziness Tiredness Loss of appetite Feeling unsteady Shortness of breath Difficulty sleeping

Symptoms: Severe Altitude Sickness (HAPE) Increasing difficulty breathing Dry cough Pressure in the chest Palpitations Fatigue Lips, outer ears, and nails may turn blue Bubbling noise can be heard when breathing

Symptoms: Severe Altitude Sickness (HACE) Severe headaches Visual disturbances Light shunning Irritability Vomiting Convulsions Confusion Possible Unconsciousness

Treatments: Mild Altitude Sickness (AMS) Don’t go any higher for 24 – 48 hours Don’t exercise Drink lots of fluid Don’t smoke Rest Descend 500m Don’t climb

Treatments: Severe Altitude Sickness (HAPE) Get to the lowest altitude possible If possible, give oxygen Seek medical attention

Treatments: Severe Altitude Sickness (HACE) Get to the lowest altitude possible A combination of medicine should be given Diazepam (for convulsions) Seek medical attention

Who Shouldn’t Climb? People with heart and lung diseases People with anemia People with clotting disorders People who have previously developed HAPE or HACE

Who Should Take Extra Caution While Climbing? Pregnant women People with severe diabetes People with high blood pressure People with successfully treated chronic diseases

Story:

Facts: Usually starts above 2400m 20 percent of people experience AMS 38 million people live their everyday lives above 2400m The death rate for trips above 7000m is about 4 percent Children are more susceptible

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