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68 – Hiking in High Altitudes!
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TRAVELERS to high altitudes, both mountain climbers and trekkers, should be advised of the potential hazards of acute mountain sickness. Even those who are fit run the risk of acute mountain sickness during rapid ascent to high altitudes if they spend more than half a day above 2,500 meters
The occurrence of problems depends on your physical form!
Be in good shape before starting to climb!
Be careful with the speed of the ascent. Avoidance of problems is best achieved by a slow ascent and by maximizing the opportunities to acclimatize!
Be careful with the altitude where you spend the night. By spending the night at a lower altitude than the highest attained during the day is helpful – Remember to CLIMB HIGH SLEEP LOW!
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the term used to describe the most common symptoms which include;
-- headache
-- nausea
-- dizziness
-- loss of appetite
-- vomiting
-- insomnia.
If these symptoms are ignored and the affected person continues to ascend, MORE serious conditions can occur such as:
-- High Altitude Cerebral Edema
-- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Both of which are potentially life-threatening!
Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness by;
-- Slow ascent. The difference in altitude between one night camp and the next should not exceed 300 meters
-- If signs of acute mountain sickness appear, a day of rest must be taken at a lower altitude if possible. If signs persist or increase, the patient must go down at least 500 meters
-- Avoid exhaustion!
-- Reduce use of salt!
-- Avoid dehydration!
The drug 'Prophylactic Acetazolamide' has been effective in preventing symptoms of altitude sickness in susceptible travelers!
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared with knowledge and gear!
Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start!
Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans. Stay together, when you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group.
Pace your hike to the slowest person!
Turn back if necessary, weather changes QUICKLY in the mountains!
Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike.
Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day!
Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life-threatening! Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself!
For trekking at high altitudes always remember to;
-- Acclimatize by giving your body time to adjust to the changed temperatures and surroundings.
-- Drink more water and replenish electrolytes.
-- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes!
-- Eat more calories!
-- As Ultraviolet radiation increases with altitude, use sun protection!
-- Dress in layers!
-- Deep breaths are more efficient than shallow breaths in higher altitudes!
-- Medicines like Ibuprofen may help prevent altitude sickness symptoms!
-- Improve your cardiovascular fitness!
-- Be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness!