The altitude sickness or mountain, as it is also known, can appear when climbing or staying over 2,500 meters high. It is a pathology that 30% of travelers suffer when ascending more than 3,000 meters and that can reach 65-70% at 4,000 meters of altitude.
It is a problem that can affect everyone. However, as explained by Barcelona Clinic“there are people who are more susceptible than others to altitude sickness, and there are also factors that affect it, such as physical activity, the speed of the ascent or the initial height from which you start”.
But why does it occur? As you ascend, the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere decreases with height.
And it translates into a maladjustment of our body to low oxygen. It is what is called hypoxiawhich “occurs because as altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases and there is less oxygen and nitrogen, so that the alveoli of the lungs cannot transport the necessary amount of oxygen to the blood.”
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
They usually appear 6-10 hours after ascent, although they can be delayed up to 24 hours. “In addition, those people who are used to living below 900 meters usually notice symptoms a few hours after having reached places with high altitude, especially at night,” say the specialists at the Barcelona Clinic.
The mildest symptoms are the following:
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I mareo or sensation of vertigo.
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Nausea and/or vomiting.
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Fatigue.
- Tachycardias (a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute).
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Headache (headache).
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Difficulty breathing.
In the most severe cases, people with altitude sickness can experience:
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Alteration of consciousness.
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Difficulty moving.
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Tos.
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Bluish color to the lips and skin (cyanosis).
It is important to bear in mind that once the symptoms begin, they must be treated, since they could trigger pulmonary or cerebral edema. In both, its evolution is lethal unless it is descended immediately, as well as urgent medical assistance.
Can altitude sickness be prevented?
Yes. As specified by the International Union of Mountaineering Associations (UIAA), the increase in altitude must not exceed 500 meters when reaching 3,000 meters above sea level. And he emphasizes taking a rest day after three or four climbs to avoid altitude sickness.
It is also essential:
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Drink plenty of fluids.
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Prioritize a diet rich in carbohydrates and avoid drinking alcohol until the activity in the mountains has finished.
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Adapt your body gradually: choose a slow pace for the first 30 minutes.
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Sleep at least eight hours and do not make physical overexertion.
Which is the treatment?
Although symptoms may improve with descent, it is very likely that treatment will need to be started.
- oxygen supply.
- Use of corticosteroids.
- Hyperbaric chamber. An airtight cabin that delivers pure oxygen in a fully pressurized environment. It can be used in other pathologies such as burns, brain abscess, air bubbles in blood vessels, brain injury or carbon monoxide poisoning.