Health tips for Nepal

AMS – Altitude Mountain Sickness, is specially occurs during trekking in the high Himalayan regions. But if given an enough time our bodies have the ability to adjust with the higher altitudes and this process is called acclimatization. Usually most of the trekking itineraries have been carefully designed keeping in this mind and allowing acclimatizing days in between the trek days. Most people trekking in higher altitudes experience one or more mild symptoms like headache, nausea, loss of appetite, Mild shortness of breath with minimal exertion, Sleep disturbance (difficulty sleeping Dizziness or light-headed-ness, Mild weakness, Slight swelling of hand and face. Symptomatic treatment with medicines may be helpful. If there is no improvement after a few hours or after a night’s rest, or situation worsens then it is recommend to descend to below the altitude where symptoms first occurred. Then ascent at a more gradual rate can be considered after getting better.

Prevention of AMS: To avoid AMS one should drink lots of fluid without alcohol (per day 4/5 Lt). Walk slowly. Descend if your symptoms are getting worse while resting at the same altitude. Taking “Diamox” has been shown to be beneficial in helping the acclimatization process. The dose is 125 mg by mouth two or three times a day, begun 2 or 3 days before the flight.