|
Rapid accent to high
altitudes often results in the syndrome
known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). At
elevations between 2500m and 5000m, about
20% to 90% of those who are not adapted to
high altitude will experience mild symptoms
of AMS. In the Mount Everest region,
approximately 50% of trekkers who walk to
altitudes above 4000m over five days develop
AMS.
Males and females are similarly affected.
Anyone regardless of age and fitness
venturing to higher altitudes can develop
AMS. There is an increase in breathing
frequency when one is exposed to lower
oxygen environment. This natural response is
known as the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR)
and there is some evidence to suggest that
people with a low HVR are more liable to
develop AMS. However, the well-known
mountaineers Messner and Habeler, who were
the first ever to climb Everest without
supplementary oxygen, both had low HVR's and
were interestingly not susceptible to AMS.
This makes it difficult to determine if you
will suffer from AMS or not.
The Symptoms of AMS
Headache / Nausea / Fatigue / Loss of
Appetite / Vomiting / Dizziness /
Irritability / Disturbed Sleep
Prevention
Acclimatization (After 1000 m. ascent
stay one more night for Acclimatization)-
Don’t make RAPID Ascent (Don’t go too far
too fast)
No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day- clean
water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee /
soup / juice etc.
Climb higher and sleep lower.
Do not travel alone
|
Equipments For Trekking In Nepal
Footwear :
Boots, Thick socks, Light socks, Camp
shoes.
Clothing :
Down or fiber filled waterproof
jacket and trousers, Sweater or fleece
jacket, Warm cotton trousers, Shirts and
T-shirts, Shorts, long underwear, Wool hat,
Sun hat, Gloves, Bathing suit, Track suit
Other Equipment :
Sleeping bag (4 seasons), Down
jacket, Daypack, Water bottle, Sun cream,
Sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and
batteries, Lip salve, Gaiters.
Optional :
Insect repellent, Toilet articles,
Note book & pen, Toilet roll, Laundry soap,
Pocket knife, Towel, Sewing kit, Plasters,
Binoculars, Camera, film, Cards and personal
medical kit |
