Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too rapidly, which doesn't allow the body enough time to adjust to reduced oxygen and changes in air pressure.#
PREVENTION
Ascend slow ( 300-500/ day + a rest day after 2-3 days ), don't exert yourself, eat high carbohydrate foods, drink lots ( water not beer ), and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Locals recommend garlic soup. Some people take 125mg of Diamox/12 hrs as a preventative measure.
AMS ( ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS )- Signs
Headache, often with loss of Appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, and disturbed sleep.
AMS- What to do
Stay at the same height for 1-2 days or descend, Diamox ( Acetazolamide, 250 mg/12hrs )
HACE ( High altitude cerebral edema ) - signs
Severe headache, vomiting, loss of balance/ coordination, lethargy, blurred vision, slurred speech, confusion, behavior change, seizures, coma, death.
HACE - WHAT TO DO
Check with heel-to-toe walking in a straight line. HACE victims cannot do it. DESCEND IMMEDIATELY!!
even a night, at least 1000m with someone else. Oxygen, hyperbaric ( Gamow bag ), Diamox,
HAPE ( High altitude pulmonary edema ) - signs
Breathless ( even while resting ), dry cough, pink or rusty spit, blue lips/ nails/face, very tired, low fever, gurgling breath, drowsy, coma, death.
HAPE- What to do?
See HACE + nifedipine if no oxygen
Safety First
Sprains and Strains:
Probably the most common problem on the trek. Steep terrain and rough trails may cause many people to strain their knees and ankles. Remember : Stretch before you starts walking, take your time, avoid trekking after dark and bring joint support bandages if needed.
Snow Blindness:
Long exposure to bright sunlight while in the snow can cause snow blindness. Wear sunglasses.
Hypothermia:
When cold and/ or wet. Starts with shivering, progressing to slurred speech, stumbling, confusion, and death. Stay warm, and keep loving.
Health Posts:
There are health posts in every major settlement of the trekking regions. Even local health posts and traditional clinics are open there for trekkers who require medical attention. A genuine way to help is to leave any not-needed medicines at the health post at the end of the trek. This may help fellow trekkers who need urgent medical care.
Rescue Operation- how to be prepared
If you are with a trekking agency, they should be able to organize an emergency evacuation quickly. If not, the following precautions may prevent a long wait for a helicopter during an emergency.
Have travel insurance and know your policy number:
Carry a credit card
Register with your embassy in Kathmandu, so they know your plans.
Other Safety measure
General safety: Tell others ( family, friends, lodge, owners, guides ) about your plans.
Donkeys/mules/yak/dzopa: Stay on the uphill side of the trail to let these beasts pass.
Leeches: Stay on the trail, use salt to get rid of them, be extra vigilant during the monsoon season;
Full lodges: Stop early, don't arrive in a place with 1-2 lodges at dusk, and carry a tent.
Lost the trails: Return the way you came or contact the tourist police or nearby check post and wait for a search team. Wandering on makes it harder to find you or may get you in dangerous situations.
Safe drinking water:
Plastic bottles adversely affect wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans if not properly disposed of. So better to carry a bottle like Nalgene and other reusable ones.