The Climb to Altitude Sickness and How to Conquer it
Hiking comes with several thrills- one of which is conquering high peaks. It’s mesmerizing to be on top of the world and see life on a different perspective. As much as it is something extreme hikers will love, these climbs can expose you to altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a collection of symptoms that occur when a person ascends too quickly at altitudes of 2500m and above. Air becomes thinner at an increased altitude which means there is less oxygen available the higher you go. These conditions will trigger the heart and lungs to work overtime to compensate for the insufficient oxygen supply.
Even moderate elevation hikes can cause altitude sickness, especially if the hiker is not accustomed to it. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, difficulty in sleeping, and extreme lethargy may begin, as well as nausea and lack of appetite.
Severe cases of AMS exhibit confusion, breathing issues, rapid pulse, irrational behavior, vomiting, loss of balance and coordination, coughing, and graying of lips and fingernails. When these conditions become noticeable, seek immediate medical assistance, and quickly proceed to a lower altitude.
How to Avoid AMS
The key here is gradual acclimatization. Don’t rush things. Remember that we are unique and we will all have varying levels of tolerance. You need to listen to your own body and don’t rely on a preconceived yardstick to gauge your endurance.
Here is a guide to avoiding altitude sickness:
In addition to these precautionary measures, it’s also important to consult your doctor regarding your hike. They can give you prescriptions for medications that alleviate altitude sickness. Pack these prescriptions together with other emergency supplies in your first aid kit.
Altitude sickness is a serious matter that needs consideration, preparation, and knowledge, but never let it prevent you from seeking new climbs and conquering challenging hikes.
Do you have stories of altitude sickness? Chat about them in the comment section below.
Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a collection of symptoms that occur when a person ascends too quickly at altitudes of 2500m and above. Air becomes thinner at an increased altitude which means there is less oxygen available the higher you go. These conditions will trigger the heart and lungs to work overtime to compensate for the insufficient oxygen supply.
Even moderate elevation hikes can cause altitude sickness, especially if the hiker is not accustomed to it. Symptoms like dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, difficulty in sleeping, and extreme lethargy may begin, as well as nausea and lack of appetite.
Severe cases of AMS exhibit confusion, breathing issues, rapid pulse, irrational behavior, vomiting, loss of balance and coordination, coughing, and graying of lips and fingernails. When these conditions become noticeable, seek immediate medical assistance, and quickly proceed to a lower altitude.
How to Avoid AMS
The key here is gradual acclimatization. Don’t rush things. Remember that we are unique and we will all have varying levels of tolerance. You need to listen to your own body and don’t rely on a preconceived yardstick to gauge your endurance.
Here is a guide to avoiding altitude sickness:
1. Acclimatize. Acclimatize. Acclimatize
It’s an unwritten rule that when you need to conquer high peaks, you have to acclimatize to your current altitude slowly. Going straight up will put you at risk of AMS so you will need to factor elevation gains into your itinerary.
2. Stay Hydrated
The symptoms of dehydration and AMS are similar. When temperatures are extremely low and you don’t sweat as much, you may feel like it’s okay to drink less water. Your body is doing extra work by pumping oxygen into your bloodstream and it needs the additional water. Force down water if you have to, sip by sip, your body will thank you.
3. Eat Well
Stay nourished to keep feeling energized. Eat meals that are rich in carbohydrates to help fuel your body.
4. Listen to your Body
Finishing a hike is one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences. You don’t have to force yourself to complete the entire hike within a day. Take things slowly and pay attention to how you feel. If you start having mild symptoms of altitude sickness, for example, a minor headache, you should be able to continue ascending. However, if more severe symptoms begin to manifest, descend immediately. With severe AMS, when it is beyond being treated by prescriptions, your best chance of recovery is to rather descend.
In addition to these precautionary measures, it’s also important to consult your doctor regarding your hike. They can give you prescriptions for medications that alleviate altitude sickness. Pack these prescriptions together with other emergency supplies in your first aid kit.
Altitude sickness is a serious matter that needs consideration, preparation, and knowledge, but never let it prevent you from seeking new climbs and conquering challenging hikes.
Do you have stories of altitude sickness? Chat about them in the comment section below.
