Are you embarking on a travel that will take you to high, very high or extremely high altitude? If so, then prepare yourself to avoid these symptoms. Just anyone can get these symptoms irrespective of age, gender or general health but some are at greater risk.
Those with heart or lung condition, pregnancy and altitude sickness history are definitely at greater risk of developing altitude sickness. Those who live at low elevation are also prone to altitude sickness. You can rely on our pharmacy for altitude sickness prevention medication. We provide Diamox (Acetazolamide) for the prevention or reducing of symptoms related to elevation sickness in climbers attempting fast ascent and in those developingaltitude sickness in spite of gradual ascent.
It is advisable to take Acetazolamide tablets 24 hours prior to the travel and continue it for five days to prevent altitude sickness. Preventive medication is highly recommendable as altitude sickness is so common that half of the people going more than 8000 feet above the sea level get it. Point to be noted here is that at 8000 feet lowest range of high elevation starts. Elevation between 8000-12000 feet is high altitude, 12000-18000 feet is very high altitude and 18000+ feet is extremely high altitude. Increase in elevation increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Symptoms of mild include fatigue, dizziness, breath shortening, sleep problems and appetite loss.
Symptoms of moderate include worsening of fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, difficulty in walking, congestion, coordination problems and severe headache and nausea.
Symptoms of Severe is health emergency but symptoms are not very dissimilar to mild or moderate altitude sickness. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE caused by fluid accumulation in lungs and High Altitude Cerebral Edema or HACE caused by fluid accumulation in brain can happen in case of severe altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be fatal in rare cases. Dexamethasone is given in case of HACE.
Symptoms typically lasts for a short duration, usually a few days, as the body acclimatises to the higher altitude. However, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the rate of ascent, individual susceptibility, and the altitude reached. In severe cases, if not addressed promptly, altitude sickness can lead to more serious conditions. It’s crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
For further information please follow the link below
Maidstone Travel Clinic,
97 Heath Road, Coxheath ME17 4EH
We offer quality travel health services at our travel clinic. We have made excellent arrangements for all travel vaccination and travel medication under one roof.