Chal Banjare Tips For Acute Mountain Sickness

Ø  Acute Mountain Sickness refers to the symptom frequent in the high altitude. Many travellers experience the symptoms while traveling above 8000ft of altitude.

Ø  Any travelers regardless of their age, sex and fitness level are prone to altitude sickness. The AMS by itself is not very hazardous but never make a mistake of ignoring it.

Ø  You must treat it on time otherwise it may lead to life threatening medical conditions. An extreme form of altitude sickness is high Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

Ø  If not treated on time, they may lead to death. But, if you take precautions, the symptoms will fade away and you get to enjoy the beautiful journey on high altitude by trekking - riding a bike - exploring in car.

Ø  Table of Content what are the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness? 

 

 

Tips to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness

 

Ø  Acclimatization

Ø  Hydrate

Ø  Say no to Caffeine and alcohol

Ø  Slow and steady wins the Race

Ø  Make your tummy happy

Ø  Medication

Ø  Garlic Breath!!

 

 

 

What are the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness?

 

Ø   AMS symptoms are not specific, so it can vary from one person to another. It is good to quickly treat it as soon as any one of the symptoms appear.

 

Ø  Headache is the first and the most common symptom of AMS. Dizziness Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Trouble sleeping Nausea or Vomiting Fatigue or weakness Persistent rapid Pulse Drowsiness Peripheral Edema ( swelling of hands, feet and face) Tips to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness a) Acclimatization The intake of oxygen molecules per breath gets lower as we move to a higher altitude.

 

Ø  It is necessary to get adequate oxygen for the long walks in mountains.

 

Ø  In low oxygen level, you have to breathe more or adjust to breathe. Acclimatization is a process of letting the body adjust to the higher altitude.

 

Ø  Staying at a place for a day or two for letting the body adjust to the thin air of the mountains is very important.

 

Ø  Hydrate The higher rate of water evaporates from the lungs at higher altitudes. Thus, it is very important to hydrate oneself. Carry a bottle of water and take frequent sips, even if you do not feel thirsty.

 

Ø  If you are losing lots of water through perspiration, you can maintain the electrolyte level with a sports drink.

 

Ø  Such drinks help keep your body hydrated by maintaining water level.

 

Ø  Say no to Caffeine and alcohol The local homemade alcoholic drink and a cup of beer in the Sherpa villages may be very tempting Or may be in cold cold weather sip of RUM give you some relief for the timing . But, it is best to stay away from your morning’s dose of caffeine and alcohol during your high altitude journey . Caffeine and alcohol consumption at a higher altitude will increase the likelihood of dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol whenever you ascend high altitudes.

 

Ø  Slow and steady wins the Race The last thing to do while you are travelling on high altitudes is to overexert yourself. It is very hard to breathe as you cover a higher altitude but it is definitely wrong to push yourself too hard. Understand your body demand before you focus to cover km. Talk to your body listen to your body need & demand place won’t go anywhere so go slowly don’t be in rush .

 

Ø  Make your tummy happy When you are travelling in the hills requires high energy, thus we recommend you to eat well while you on high altitudes. It is advisable to eat a high carbohydrate diet with about 70% calories. Food rich in carbohydrate and other nutrients supplies you constant energy in high altitude journey . A Good diet also helps to avoid the altitude sickness.

 

Ø  Medication ( avoid as much as you can) You can also use drugs like Acetazolamide to prevent the Altitude sickness. You can consume acetazolamide twice a day from two days before starting the ascent. You have to continue the medication throughout the ascent till the next day after reaching the highest altitude. But, medicines may show different side effects. So, it is better to consult your doctor and take medication as per hisher prescription.

 

Ø  Garlic Breath!! Garlic and Cloves I have used personally remedies to avoid the ills done by altitude sickness. Garlic thins the blood and enhances blood flow which also keep your body warm and keep your digestion strong and cloves help the body to be more efficient oxygen. Adequate consumption of these two herbs will help you avoid the altitude sickness.

 

 

Medial & oxygen available if you are not carrying oxygen

On Manali Leh highway

Ø  Keylong ( government hospital )

Ø   Jispa small clinic available

Ø  Zing zing bar ( army medical centre )

Ø  Sarchu ( army medical centre )

Ø  Pang ( army medical centre )

Ø  Rumste ( army medical centre )

Ø  Karu ( army medial centre )

Ø  Leh ( government hospital)

 

 

Within leh & Nubra Valley

Ø  Leh ( government hospital )

Ø  Khardungla ( army medical centre )

Ø  North pullo ( army medical centre )

Ø  Hunder ( army hospital )

Ø   Thang ( army medical centre )

On The Way To Pangong

Ø  Pangong ( army medial centre )

Ø  Tangste ( army medical centre )

Ø   Durbuk ( army medical centre )

Ø  Tsoltak ( army medical centre )

Ø  Changla ( army medical centre )

Ø   Zingral ( army medical centre

 

On The Way To Hanle

Ø   Chumathang ( army medical centre )

Ø  Nayoma check post ( army medical centre)

 

On the Way To Tso Moriri

Ø  Chumathang

Ø  Tso Moriri  Army Camp

Ø  Karzok Army Camp