TRIP

Altitude sickness

Better Health Channel (Australia), 2004

Mountain climbers are at risk of developing altitude sickness, which may be harmful or even fatal if its onset is ignored.
Ascending to heights greater than 2,500m can trigger a range of symptoms including headache and vomiting.
This is caused by going up too rapidly, which doesn't allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure.
It is important to remember that being young and fit doesn't reduce your risk, and just because you haven't experienced altitude sickness in the past, doesn't mean you are immune to the condition during future climbs.
The initial symptoms of altitude sickness can include: Headache Lethargy Drop in performance Lack of coordination Insomnia Appetite loss Dizziness Nausea Vomiting.
There are two main types of severe altitude sickness, including high altitude pulmonary oedema (fluid within the lungs) and high altitude cerebral oedema (fluid within the brain).
Symptoms of severe altitude sickness include: Breathlessness Heart palpitations Blue-tinged skin and nails due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis) Frequent coughing because of fluid in the lungs Sputum may be frothy or tinged pink with blood from the damaged lung tissue Irrational behaviour, such as refusing to acknowledge symptoms Inability to sit up or walk in a straight line.
Some climbers believe that switching to a high-carbohydrate diet before they go trekking helps to reduce the risks.
Remember that medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone are best used as a treatment for mild altitude sickness, not as a prevention measure.
Acetazolamide may be recommended as a preventative, if you are flying into a location at altitude, and will not have time to adjust.
Sleeping tablets must not be used, as they can lead to and increase in hypoxia due to their central nervous system depressing action.