Altitude Mountain Sickness
A. M. S. (ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS)
There is so much less oxygen in the high mountains that it is not surprising that travelling to high altitude causes people to feel unwell, but how this shortage of oxygen actually leads to altitude sickness is still not fully understood. Most people remain well at altitudes of up to 2500m, the equivalent barometric pressure to which aeroplane cabins are pressurised. However, even at 1500m above sea level you may notice more breathlessness than normal on exercise and night vision may be impaired. Above 2500m, the symptoms of altitude sickness become more noticeable.
In fact the term “altitude sickness” can be used to describe any altitude-related illness. There are three forms of altitude sickness that can affect people very quickly after they have ascended to high altitude.
Tibet is sometimes known as the ‘roof of the world’. The high plains over which you will travel on your overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa average 11000 to 13000 ft, while some of the mountain passes are over 18000 ft (5.220 Mt.). At such high altitudes, there is a chance of having symptoms of mountain sickness. Because this trip is by bus rather than foot (there fore without much physical exertion), these mountain sickness symptoms usually do not become severe. Nonetheless, one should know about the symptoms and treatment of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness:
At sea level, a whole atmosphere of pressure pushes in on the air one breathes. As one goes higher and higher, there is less atmosphere and hence less atmospheric pressure pushing in on the air breathed in to the lungs. Human bodies experience that lack of air pressure as a lack of oxygen. Until the body has a chance to adapt, one may experience symptoms of mountain sickness. Different people’s bodies adapt or acclimatize at different rates. These acclimatization rate are not at all related to what kind of physical shape one is in. for example, an Olympic marathon runner and or an obese, remote control TV watching couch potato are equally likely to have symptoms of altitude sickness at the same altitude.
Symptoms of A. M. S. – The symptoms of altitude sickness are rather vague, variable, and easy to attribute to other causes. However, when at high altitude, assume any of the following symptoms are mountain sickness until proven otherwise.
Symptoms of AmsMild
Moderate
Severe
Headache severe headache altered
Nausea vomiting consciousness
Malaise dizziness poor judgment
Low appetite irritability shortness of breath
Sleeplessness dry cough wet cough
Little urination coughing blood
Unable to walk
If you have symptoms:
Rest – do not over exert yourself
Do not go higher.
Drink lots of fluids. Avoid alcohol.
let someone know how you are feeling
Try aspirin or paracitamol for headache discomfort
Avoid any sedatives – especially sleeping pill or narcotics. These medicines eill slow your breathing and worsen your symptoms.
Consider use of acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent or treat symptoms.
If symptoms are severe or worsening, return to lower altitude.
With the help of a physician, consider the use of other medicines such as Dexamethasome every 6 hours, Nifedipine 10 mg every 8 hours and or oxygen. Acetazolamide (Diamox)
If AMS symptoms are moderate or severe, or mild symptoms are getting worse, acetazolamide treatment may be beneficial. The dose is 250 mg every 12 hours. This medicine stimulates breathing and therefore helps the body get more oxygen. Acetazolamide especially helps one breath better at night and hence, helps sleep without causing any sedating effects. Possible side effects of acetazolamide include tingling (pins and needles feeling) of hands, Toes or lips. Increased urination, and change in taste of carborated beverages. These symptoms are merely annoyances, resolve when the drug is stopped, and do not indicate allergic reactions, travelers who have allergies to sulfa antibiotics and have never tried acetazolamide should not take this medicine, acetazolamide is as sulfa derivative, there is a slight possibility of allergic cross reaction.
Prevention – Besides acting to treat symptoms of mountain sickness, acetazolamide can also help prevent or decrease severity of AMS symptoms before they occur. The overland journey from Kathmandú to Lhasa covers much altitude in a short period of time. I.e. traveling from Zhangmu to Xegar Dzong in one day gains 2,050 mt of altitude. The best way to avoid AMS is to ascend slowly. This is not possible in a week long trip from Kathmandú to Lhasa. Therefore it is quite reasonable to take 125 – 250 mg of acetazolamide 2 times per day 24 hours before ascending to high altitude to prevent mountain sickness. Diamox may be continued until one acclimatizes or stops going higher.
Especially for people who have been to high altitude before and have had AMS, taking acetazolamide 24 hours before going high is very helpful in preventing altitude sickness. Drinking lots of water while taking acetazolamide is very important, since, acetazolamide makes one urinate more.
Most people do just fine at high altitude with nothing more than a few annoying symptoms of headache or shortness of breath with exertion. Being able to identify know what to do about mountain sickness can help prevent serious problems
Tea House Trek
A walk of few or many days up and down trail through the villages, hills & forests is call trekking.
Walking through the country side is a unique destination for trekkers because of its unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches. The verdant valleys under the shadow of massive snow peaks, the rugged paths, resplendent ravines, wild waterfalls, picturesque lakes and many other visual delights unfold in their utmost beauty and glory. A walk through the hills of Nepal will not only give you a view of the mountains, but also take you through remote villages inhabited by hospitable people who will always well comes you smiling.
We invite you to join us on visit to this remote region to see the truth of your dream. A trek is walking at your own pace along well-established village trails, enjoying close contact with people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. Perhaps the most enjoyable parts of a trek are the clean mountain air and the magnificent views of the mighty Himalayan peaks. You will feel at peace with nature and with yourself.
We at Club Mountain
are committed to offer very personal and efficient services especially for the trekkers. All trekkers are accompanied by guide, a cook and some experienced staff. Provisions and luggage are carried by mountain horses and at high altitude by Yaks. Whichever trek you choose, it is essential to remember that a trek is not a climbing experience. Camp sites are carefully selected to afford you a walk each day at your own pace and our trekking crews are always around to guide you.
What is trekking
Trekking is different from other sorts of travel for a few different reasons. It tends to be less-structured than other sort of travel, as weather conditions and topography help influence travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. As travelers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives travelers an up-close view of incredible scenery. Many trekkers travel through isolated areas, giving them an experience much different than those who travel in organized groups to more-popular destinations. It often allows them to interact with nature, doing anything from climbing a rock wall to navigating across a mountain or entire mountain range.
Trekking can be done anywhere in the world. Several areas are particularly popular with travelers, including the mountainous regions such as the Himilayas in Asia ( Specially Nepal ) and the Andes in South America. However, treks have been organized in other less-touristed areas regions on almost every continent. Trekking can result in a trip as long or short as participants decide, from trips of a week or more to expeditions that last more than a year. Trekking can be as athletic and adventurous as participants decide. The less-structured nature of trekking and a world of destinations help attract a wide variety of participants to the activity.
Several pieces of gear help make trekking more enjoyable. One is a comfortably-fitting backpack. Many trekkers travel for extended periods and need to carry all of their belongings with them. A sturdy backpack can comfortably fit more than 20-40 pounds (10-20 kilos) of clothing and gear. Another important item is sturdy hiking boots. When covering long distances, wearing the right pair of boots can make the difference between enjoying a trip and being in pain. Other survival equipment, such as warm clothing, a first aid kit and a supply of food and water are also very important.
Trekking is best attempted initially with someone who has experience or in a professionally-led group. This can help introduce those new to trekking to the special skills required to successfully make an overland journey of significant length. A number of outdoor stores and organizations offer classes and plan trips that can help give an idea of the gear and physical ability required in trekking.
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