Altitude sickness is a medical condition that occurs when a person is at a high altitude, usually above 2,500 meters above sea level. This disease is due to the lack of sufficient oxygen in the thin air at that altitude.
This condition can affect anyone who climbs to a high altitude, regardless of whether they are used to altitude or not. This condition can happen to anyone, even those who have previously climbed to the same altitude without any problems have a chance of experiencing Altitude Sickness.
Therefore, it is very important to prevent Altitude Sickness from happening especially when climbing a mountain.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
These symptoms can appear immediately or gradually and include:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Vomit
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath (with or without activity)
More serious symptoms include:
- Changes in skin color (turning blue, gray, or pale)
- Confusion
- Cough
- Coughing up bloody mucus
- Chest tightness
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to walk in a straight line
- Shortness of breath at rest.
Types of Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is divided into three groups, including:
1. AMS
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is considered the most common form of altitude sickness. The symptoms of AMS are very similar to motion sickness.
2. HACE
High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) occurs when acute mountain sickness progresses. HACE is a severe form of AMS in which the brain swells and stops functioning normally. The symptoms of HACE resemble severe AMS.
3. PHONE
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a progression of HACE, but it can also occur on its own. Excess fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult for them to function normally.
Causes and How to Overcome Altitude Sickness
Here are some causes of altitude sickness and how to deal with it.
1. Height
The main cause of altitude sickness is altitude. The higher the altitude reached, the lower the surrounding air pressure. This causes a lack of oxygen in the blood and can eventually cause altitude sickness symptoms. To overcome this, you must give your body time to adapt to the change in air pressure.
2. Up Speed
In addition to altitude, the speed of ascent can also cause altitude sickness. If you ascend too quickly, your body does not have enough time to adapt to the change in air pressure. This causes a lack of oxygen in the blood and can cause symptoms of altitude sickness. To avoid this, ascend slowly and give your body time to adapt.
3. Physical condition
Physical conditions can also affect whether or not someone will experience altitude sickness. People who are in poor physical condition, such as obesity or heart disease, may be more susceptible to altitude sickness. Before traveling to high altitudes, make sure your body is healthy and ready to face the challenges ahead.
Risk Factors for Altitude Sickness
Some risk factors for altitude sickness that you need to know.
1. Height
The main risk factor for altitude sickness is altitude. The higher the altitude, the lower the surrounding air pressure, so the body cannot get enough oxygen. The longer a person is at that altitude, the greater the chance of getting altitude sickness.
2. Up Speed
Ascent speed is also an important risk factor for altitude sickness. If a person ascends too quickly to a certain altitude, the body does not have enough time to adapt to the change in air pressure. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood and increase the risk of altitude sickness.
3. Physical Condition
A person’s physical condition can also affect the risk of altitude sickness. People who have poor physical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, may be more susceptible to altitude sickness. In addition, people who are obese or overweight are also at greater risk of altitude sickness.
Diagnosis of Altitude Sickness
Tests to diagnose Altitude Sickness include:
1. Physical Examination
During a physical examination, the doctor will check vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature to determine the patient’s physical condition. The doctor will also check the patient’s skin for signs of cyanosis (bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen in the blood).
2. Blood Test
Blood tests may be done to check the oxygen levels in the blood. Low oxygen levels may indicate altitude sickness.
3. Breathing Exercise Test
In some cases, a doctor may perform a breathing exercise test to determine the lungs’ ability to produce oxygen for the body at a certain altitude.
Prevention of Altitude Sickness
While diagnosing altitude sickness is important, taking precautions before traveling to a certain altitude is equally important. Some things that can be done to prevent altitude sickness include:
- Get enough rest before traveling to a certain height.
- Increase fluid intake to keep the body hydrated.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
- Avoid excessive physical activity at certain altitudes.
- Use of medications recommended by a doctor, such as acetazolamide, to help the body adapt to changes in air pressure at certain altitudes.