Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, BloodVitals home monitor or travelers at high altitudes, usually above 8000 ft (2400 meters). Acute mountain sickness is brought on by decreased air pressure and decrease oxygen levels at high altitudes. The quicker you climb to a high altitude, BloodVitals home monitor the more probably you're going to get acute mountain sickness. One of the simplest ways to forestall altitude illness is to ascend gradually. It is a good suggestion to spend a few days ascending to 9850 ft (3000 meters). Above this point ascend very slowly so that the elevation at which you sleep doesn't increase greater than 990 feet to 1640 toes (300m to 500m) per night time. You reside at or near sea degree and journey to a high altitude. You will have had the illness earlier than. You have not acclimatized appropriately to the altitude. Alcohol or other substances have interfered with acclimatization. You may have medical issues involving the center, nervous system, or lungs.



Your signs can even rely upon the pace of your climb and how exhausting you push (exert) your self. Symptoms vary from mild to life-threatening. They'll affect the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and BloodVitals home monitor heart. Normally, symptoms are mild. The well being care supplier will look at you and BloodVitals listen to your chest with a stethoscope. This may increasingly reveal sounds referred to as crackles (rales) in the lung. Rales may be a sign of fluid within the lungs. Early diagnosis is necessary. Acute mountain sickness is less complicated to treat within the early stages. The principle remedy for all types of mountain sickness is to climb down (descend) to a decrease altitude as quickly and safely as attainable. You shouldn't proceed climbing up in case you develop symptoms. Extra oxygen should be given, if obtainable. People with severe mountain sickness may have to be admitted to a hospital. A drugs referred to as acetazolamide (Diamox) could also be given to help you breathe better. It might help reduce signs.



This medication could make you urinate extra typically. Be sure to drink loads of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drugs. This drugs works finest when taken earlier than reaching a excessive altitude. Dexamethasone (Decadron) might assist reduce acute mountain sickness symptoms and swelling in the brain (cerebral edema). Portable hyperbaric chambers enable hikers to simulate situations at lower altitudes with out really shifting from their location on the mountain. These units are very helpful if dangerous weather or different components make climbing down the mountain unattainable. Most instances are mild. Symptoms enhance shortly if you climb down the mountain to a decrease altitude. Severe circumstances could end in death as a consequence of lung issues (pulmonary edema) or mind swelling (cerebral edema). In distant places, emergency evacuation may not be potential, or therapy may be delayed. This can have a negative impact on the end result. The outlook is dependent upon how shortly the affected person can get to a decrease altitude as soon as signs start.



Some persons are extra vulnerable to developing altitude-associated sickness and will not reply as well as others. Contact your provider when you've got or had symptoms of acute mountain sickness, even for BloodVitals those who felt higher while you returned to a decrease altitude. Climb down the mountain instantly and BloodVitals home monitor as safely as doable. Climb the mountain progressively. Gradual ascent is a very powerful consider preventing acute mountain sickness. Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2000 toes (600 meters) of climb above 8000 toes (2400 meters). Sleep at a decrease altitude when attainable. Be certain that that you have the power to quickly descend if needed. Learn how to recognize early signs of mountain sickness. If you're traveling above 9840 feet (3000 meters), it's best to carry sufficient oxygen for a number of days. In the event you plan on climbing rapidly, or climbing to a excessive altitude, ask your provider about medicines which will assist forestall acute mountain sickness, comparable to acetazolamide or dexamethasone.