Reducing the risk of Mountain Sickness

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Reducing the risk of Mountain Sickness

The air at high altitudes has reduced oxygen partial pressure (also known as thin air) which can cause Mountain Sickness.  The higher the altitude, the higher the risk of getting symptoms.  For those travellers going on expedition trips up mountains or to places at high altitude (especially higher than around 8-9,000 feet), there is a risk of developing Mountain Sickness.  This condition is caused by the body’s reaction to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and can be LIFE-THREATENING.

Popular High Altitude Tourist Destinations include;

  • Machu Picchu @ 7,900 feet
  • Nepal @ 10,700 feet
  • Bhutan @ 10,700 feet
  • Mount Kinabalu @ 13,000 feet
  • Anna Purna Base Camp @ 13,500 feet
  • Tibet @ 14,700 feet
  • Mount Kilimanjaro @ 16,700 feet
  • Everest Base Camp @ 17,500 feet

Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness include;

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness or fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light headedness and difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty in breathing due to pulmonary oedema
  • Headache and drowsiness due to cerebral oedema

Click to view UCHealth video on What is Mountain Sickness

What are the Risk Factors which increases the risk of Mountain Sickness?

  • Pre-existing lung conditions such as Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Pre-existing heart disease such as Angina or congestive heart failure
  • Pre-existing blood disorders such as anaemia or sickle cell trait / disease
  • Fast rate of ascent (not enough time for your body to acclimatise)
  • Being overweight or high BMI individual
  • No fitness training prior to the expedition
  • Taking alcohol during the expedition

Click to view UIAA video on Mountain Sickness

Prophylaxis and Prevention

  • Go with an experienced and recommended guide
  • Get fitness training prior to setting off on your expedition
  • Plan your climb so that the rate of ascent is slow and graded to your ability
  • Plan to ensure sufficient rest and sleep every night
  • Recognise the early symptoms of mountain sickness (see above) and inform your guide EARLY to prevent the condition from deteriorating into a life-threatening event
  • Medication such as Acetazolomide may be useful (consult your Pharmacist or Dr before starting the expedition)

When taken BEFORE starting your expedition, Acetazolamide hastens acclimatisation to high altitude hypoxia thereby reducing the risk and severity of acute Mountain Sickness.  The medicine works by inducing bicarbonate diuresis and metabolic acidosis.  The pH change in your blood increases your breathing rate which in turn increases oxygenation into your lungs.  

Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist the usual precautions or medications to bring along for your travels


Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.

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