DEFINITION
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude Sickness is an abnormal condition that occurs in the body when you are in a place with high altitude. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness.
How Common is Altitude Sickness?
Based on statistics, half of the number of people on earth both men and women can suffer from altitude sickness, especially at an altitude of 2,400 meters and above. Altitude sickness is also more common in people who have lung problems and who are used to living in very low altitude areas, so they feel unfamiliar with the air conditions and pressure in high areas.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness?
Symptoms of altitude sickness can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness Of Breath
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Symptoms usually persist for 6-48 hours after climbing.
In some rare cases, altitude sickness can also cause fluid accumulation in the brain and lungs (pulmonary edema and cerebral edema), causing various other serious illnesses such as:
- There is a sound like paper being pulled while breathing
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Cough with pink, foamy liquid
- Daze and difficulty walking
- Confusion that can lead to loss of consciousness
These symptoms indicate the status of the patient who has touched a critical threshold and needs to be treated immediately by medical staff.
In addition, there are also some characteristics and symptoms that are not mentioned above. If you have the same complaint, please consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Altitude sickness will disappear when you get used to the natural conditions at that altitude, as well as when you return to a place with low altitude. However, if the symptoms that appear are severe pulmonary fluid and cerebrospinal fluid, the patient requires immediate emergency treatment.
REASONS
What causes Altitude Sickness?
When you are at a location with a higher altitude, the oxygen level in the air will decrease. Meanwhile, your body will try to adjust your heart rate and breathing faster to keep the oxygen that your body needs. If you climb too fast in a short time, your body will not be able to adapt well, and therefore altitude sickness can arise.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Altitude Sickness?
Some of the risk factors below can affect your chances of getting altitude sickness, namely:
- Age: young people are more often affected by altitude sickness than older people
- Habitat: if you live in a low-lying area, such as a flat plain city near the coast and never climb mountains
- Your Immune System is not good
- Have you ever had Lung Disease
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Altitude Sickness?
The treatment given depends on the height and severity of the symptoms experienced. Usually, the patient must first be brought to a lower level immediately to start oxygen therapy. Then, complaints usually disappear after 1-3 days of rest. In addition, paracetamol and aspirin can also relieve symptoms that are not too severe. Other drugs such as cetazolamide and nifedipine are taken if the symptoms have entered a more severe level.
If cerebrospinal fluid appears in the patient due to altitude, the patient should be immediately taken to higher ground and given low oxygen therapy, then given dexamethasone (a steroid), to help prevent nerve damage and avoid more serious symptoms. including death.
What Are The Usual Tests For Altitude Sickness?
The doctor will diagnose altitude sickness based on your experience visiting a location with high altitude and clinical examination of the symptoms that arise. Generally, the doctor will use a stethoscope to detect sounds such as friction in the lungs. The sound can be a sign that there is a spilled lung fluid.
The doctor will also ask you to do a series of tests as follows:
- Blood Test
- Brain CT
- X-ray of the chest
- ECG
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Deal With Altitude Sickness?
Here are forms of a healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with altitude sickness:
- Don't do climbing activities to high places too fast, at least 2-4 days so your body gets used to it
- Before going on a hike, you should see your doctor and ask for instructions on what medications to take to prevent altitude sickness. You should take acetazolamide with you before climbing and continue to use it. However, while taking this medicine, you may experience side effects such as nausea and numbness of the lips, fingers, and toes
- Rest well
- Drink large amounts of water and increase the amount of carbohydrates in your body to minimize the effects of altitude
- When you are at a height, move immediately to a lower place if you feel nervous and breathing problems
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.