Mountain Sickness – Everything You Need to Know About Elevation Sickness

It is enchanting to stand on a snow-capped mountain or to look at the limitless mountain ranges. But as marvelous as high-altitude destinations are, they are accompanied by an unknown difficulty termed mountain sickness. Others who travel do not give much thought to the effect of the body on thin air and tend to mistake the initial signs with normal fatigue. Knowledge of elevation-related illness can make you safe, ready, and have a full enjoyment of the trip. 

What is Mountain Sickness?

Mountain sickness is a disorder that occurs when your body does not manage to adapt to the low level of oxygen at higher altitudes. The higher you climb, the lower the pressure in your atmosphere; that is, every breath is supplying you with less oxygen. Unless your body has time to adapt, the symptoms begin to show. 

This is also referred to as altitude sickness or elevation sickness, and it may afflict anybody, whether old or young, well or unfit, and experienced or inexperienced traveler. 

Why does it happen at high altitude?

Oxygen concentrations at sea level are optimal for normal body functioning. However, up the mountain, there is a shortage of oxygen. The body requires time to adjust to it by raising the rate of breathing and the red blood cell levels. When this adaptation fails to occur quickly, mountain sickness will occur. 

That is why the high rate of ascents by airplane, motor vehicle, or cable car can easily cause the development of altitude mountain sickness, particularly beyond 2,500 meters.

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Common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Effects of mountain sickness may range from mild sickness to severe health problems. It is better to learn at an early stage what the warning signs are.

Mild Symptoms

• Headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and frequent vomiting caused by the height

Above are typical symptoms of high altitude sickness and normally manifest themselves 6-24 hours after one reaches an elevated altitude.

Moderate to Severe Symptoms

• Continuous headache that does not respond to drugs
• Severe high altitude nausea
• Shortness of breath at rest
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness or weakness when walking

At this point, the condition can develop into acute mountain sickness or acute mountain illness that needs an urgent response. 

Types of High-Altitude Illness

All the elevation issues are not identical. High Altitude illness is an umbrella term that includes various diseases:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):

The most prevalent and the initial phase of mountain sickness. The headache, nausea, and fatigue are the symptoms.

• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):

Extreme life-threatening illness in which the brain swells because of a shortage of oxygen.

• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE):

Retention of fluid in the lungs causes breathing to be very hard.

They can also be termed as high mountain sickness, and they require emergency descent and medical attention.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can experience mountain sickness, but the risk increases if you:

• Ascend too quickly
• Skip acclimatization days
• Overexert yourself
• Consume alcohol at high altitude
• Have a history of altitude sickness

Even seasoned trekkers are not immune to elevation sickness, making awareness essential.

How to prevent Mountain Sickness?

The good news? Through proper precautions, a lot of mountain sickness can be avoided.

Smart Prevention Tips

• Still climb slowly and have no spikes in the climb.
• Allow rest days to become acclimatized.
• Remain hydrated and take light food.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Be mindful of your body – do not overdo symptoms.

Oxygen is also transported by some travelers to the high altitudes to facilitate high altitude travel, especially in extremely high areas. Although it does not cure the condition, it is capable of alleviating the pain in the meantime.

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Treatment & what to do if symptoms appear?

If you experience mild mountain sickness, the first step is to stop ascending. Rest, hydrate, and give your body time to adjust. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with headaches.

If symptoms worsen:

• Descend immediately to a lower altitude
• Use supplemental oxygen if available
• Seek medical help without delay

Ignoring symptoms of acute mountain illness can turn a dream trip into a dangerous situation.

Final Thoughts

Mountains are awe-inspiring, mighty, and degrading; however, they require respect. Being infected with mountain sickness is not a vice; it is a normal response to harsh conditions. It is possible to visit high-altitude locations safely through the awareness of elevation sickness, its early symptoms, and following wise travel practices.

The best thing to have is knowledge when you are planning a Himalayan trek and when you desire to have a mountain getaway. Train right, be smart on the mountain, and have the mountains reward you with memories that you will never forget without harming your health.