Blog >> About altitude sickness
I walked between Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) and Dhaulagiri II (7,751m) - behind me in the photo - and ended up on Dhampus peak (6,011m). We began to climb from 800m above sea level and were seriously worried that on the approaches to the base camps Dhaulagiri would be covered by a “altitude sickness”.
What is a altitude sickness? This is an unpleasant phenomenon, the reason for which, in my opinion, is insufficient acclimatization when climbing to a noticeable height. In the Caucasus, symptoms may appear at an altitude of about 2,500 meters. In mountain systems located to the south, the altitude sickness begins to manifest itself from a greater height.
The altitude sickness's symptoms are varied: it can be a severe headache, and nausea, and loss of appetite, insomnia, poor coordination when walking, constant shortness of breath, etc.
If the symptoms are ignored, then the state of health is likely to worsen. And in some cases, at high altitude, all this joy can provoke pulmonary edema or cerebral edema.
Too fast climb can provoke the start of the altitude sickness (for example, if you climb immediately from 3000m to 4000m, you will most likely feel unwell), excessive physical exertion with insufficient acclimatization, lack of fluid, alcohol consumption, severe stress.
Can the trouble of an altitude sickness be avoided? In my opinion, if you pay enough attention to acclimatization, then completely. But if there is no time, then you can reduce the likelihood of its appearance if you follow simple rules: move slowly, drink plenty of liquid, gradually gain altitude. You can help yourself with pills.
In general, altitude sickness are afraid - do not go to the mountains. But seriously, on a well-designed route, the altitude sickness should not be a cause for concern.
No comments
What's on this site?
Follow our project
in social networks
