Climbing Mount Everest in Nepal or conquering any other towering peak might sound like the ultimate dream – an exciting adventure that checks off a major item on your bucket list. The idea of standing at the top of the world, taking in breathtaking views after an arduous climb, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But as thrilling as it sounds, it’s not just the physical challenge of scaling the heights that makes this journey difficult. There are hidden dangers that many don’t consider, one of the most common being altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness can strike anyone, no matter how fit you are. It’s not just about how much you’ve trained or how many mountains you’ve climbed before. When you’re at high altitudes, the air is thinner, meaning there’s less oxygen available. And your body, used to the sea-level conditions, can struggle to adapt. If you’re not aware of the signs, altitude sickness can not only ruin your adventure but also turn into a life-threatening situation if not treated quickly.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), happens when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, and their body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. It typically begins when you’re at an altitude above 2,500 metres (about 8,200 feet). The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, if left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE).
Recognising the symptoms
Understanding the early signs of altitude sickness is key to preventing it from worsening. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms can feel like an intense hangover, leaving you weak and uncomfortable. If ignored, altitude sickness can progress, and more severe symptoms may appear, such as:
- Confusion or difficulty walking
- Tightness in the chest or a persistent cough
- Blueness of the lips or fingernails (a sign of insufficient oxygen)
When these more severe symptoms emerge, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude immediately and seek medical help. In some cases, an air ambulance might be necessary for a quick medical evacuation.
How to treat altitude sickness quickly
If you or someone you’re travelling with starts showing signs of altitude sickness, the most important step is to stop ascending. You might be eager to push forward to reach the summit, but ignoring the warning signs can have dangerous consequences.
Here’s what you should do:
- Descend immediately: If symptoms are mild, descending by at least 500 to 1,000 metres (1,640 to 3,280 feet) can relieve symptoms. The higher you are, the more critical it is to drop to a safer altitude.
- Rest and hydrate: Dehydration can make altitude sickness worse, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Oxygen therapy: If available, supplemental oxygen can aid you in dealing with altitude sickness and relieve symptoms until you reach a lower altitude.
- Medication: Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help your body adjust to higher altitudes and reduce the severity of symptoms. It’s commonly used as a preventive measure but can also aid in treatment.
For more severe cases like HAPE or HACE, where the lungs or brain are affected, immediate medical evacuation is critical. Rapid descent and oxygen therapy are vital, but in extreme conditions, a medical evacuation may be necessary to get the patient to a proper medical facility quickly.
Preventing altitude sickness
Prevention is always better than treatment, especially when it comes to altitude sickness. Here are some strategies to help your body adjust and minimise the risk:
- Ascend slowly: Give your body time to adapt by gradually ascending. If you’re going above 2,500 metres, increase your sleeping altitude by no more than 300 to 500 metres (984 to 1,640 feet) per day.
- Take rest days: If you’re climbing a mountain or trekking in high-altitude regions, take regular rest days to allow your body to acclimatise to the reduced oxygen levels.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished: Drink plenty of water and eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, which can help maintain energy levels and oxygen absorption.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both can contribute to dehydration, which worsens altitude sickness.
- Consider medication: If you know you’re prone to altitude sickness or are planning a rapid ascent, consult a doctor about using acetazolamide or other preventive treatments before your trip.
When to consider medical evacuation
While most cases of altitude sickness are mild and can be treated with rest and descent, severe cases require immediate medical attention. If you’re in a remote area, it can be difficult to get to a hospital quickly. This is where air ambulances come into play.
An air ambulance can offer a lifeline in emergencies, providing rapid transport to a hospital equipped to handle high-altitude health issues. Air ambulances are equipped with medical personnel and equipment to stabilise the patient during the flight, ensuring the best possible care en route. It’s important to understand that air ambulance services come at a cost, and the air ambulance cost in Singapore can vary depending on the distance travelled and the level of care required.
When planning any high-altitude adventure, it’s wise to factor in the possibility of needing medical evacuation. Having travel insurance that covers medical evacuation wherever you are exploring can provide peace of mind.
Conclusion
Altitude sickness is a serious risk that can affect anyone venturing into high-altitude regions. While it can often be prevented and treated with proper acclimatisation, in severe cases, immediate medical attention is crucial. If you’re planning a trek to high altitudes, make sure you’re aware of the risks, know how to recognise the symptoms, and have a plan in place for medical evacuation if necessary.
EMA Global offers medical evacuation, repatriation, and air ambulance services, ensuring that you have access to the medical care you need, no matter where your adventures take you.
