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Photo
by John Ratje
Elevation & Altitude
Whether you are an experienced trekker, a visitor or an observer, altitude does not
discriminate. Altitude effects the young and old, fit or feeble. High altitude is defined
as 1,500 - 3,500 m (5,000 -11,500 ft) in elevation. MGIO is at an elevation of 10,400 ft .
To protect your health at this altitude, we have included some guidelines for acclimation.
Keep in mind, acclimation is a slow process and could take as long as two weeks to become
fully acclimatized, but normally the process of acclimation is 1 - 3 days. During this
acclimation process a number of changes take place to allow the body to operate with the
decreased oxygen and they are:
 | Depth of respiration increases.
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| Pressure in pulmonary arteries is increased, " forcing" blood into portions of
the lung which are normally not used during sea level breathing.
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| The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen, along with a particular enzyme
that facilitates the release of oxygen from hemoglobin to the body tissues.
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Special Precautions
| Should you have a heart condition, such as CHF (congestive heart failure), or angina,
avoiding altitude is advisable. The longer you are at altitude, the more your
arterial vessels will dilate, increasing the flow of blood to the cardiac muscle.
Exerting yourself too much, and too quickly could be fatal.
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| Other medical conditions for avoiding altitude are: chronic lung disease, pulmonary
hypertension, previous stroke, pregnancy, anemia, and sickle cell disease.
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Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness
| Shortness of breath, coughing, lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, severe headache,
staggering gait, and disturbed sleep. Additional
symptoms may include: temporary vision abnormalities, eyelid drooping, facial swelling,
swelling in lower extremities, and decreased consciousness.
* None of the above symptoms are life threatening. However, the person should be closely
monitored to insure that more severe symptoms or dehydration does not develop.
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Treatment / Prevention
| If the symptoms continue or do not improve within the first 48 hours, go to lower
altitude. |
| Increase water intake prior to and during your visit to altitude |
| Reduce salt intake |
| Avoid smoking, alcohol, and sleeping pills |
| Include complex carbohydrates in diet (at least 70%). |
| Ibuprofen (for relieving headaches) |
| Breathing oxygen (for relieving symptoms) |
| Antacids (many foods will cause indigestion) |
| Prescribed medications (Diamox or Dexamethasone) by a physician |
References & Recommended Sites
| High Altitude Travel Advice
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| CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center, Kathmandu, Nepal
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