Altitude sickness is a common health condition in which travelers feel difficulty in breathing as the altitude goes up and up. This situation normally takes place at a height above 2500m. Those people who are not in the habit of staying or adjusting at much higher altitudes find this situation extremely difficult.
Let me tell you some of the common symptoms of altitude sickness. It creates issues such as headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. This is without a doubt a very challenging situation so people facing this for the first time struggle a lot with it.
People need to be strong both mentally and physically while facing this situation. This medical situation is not fatal in itself. There is very little chance that it brings a major health issue. However, it offers unpleasant and disturbances in your trek.
People in Everest base camp short trekking definitely have a high chance of altitude sickness. This situation can be more challenging for those people who rarely walk at higher altitudes.
Hence, this trek requires enough preparation and precautions for a safe and successful tour. In the below segment, I will be discussing some of the best ways to avoid altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek 15 days journey.
Best Ways To Avoid Altitude Sickness On The Everest Base Camp Trek
Avoiding altitude sickness can be done with proper tips and tricks. This makes our Everest base camp short trekking calm and happy. These suggestions are based on the tips provided by medicinal practitioners, have a look:
Altitude sickness starts as the height increases. This happens due to a drop in the oxygen level at a higher altitude. So, you have to be mentally prepared for this situation. Don’t panic while feeling shortness of breath, rather calm your mind and bring out lots of courage.
Walking at a higher altitude requires carrying an oxygen cylinder with you. So, make sure you have easy access to the oxygen cylinder. This will help you handle the shortness of breath.
Another common cause of altitude sickness is quick walking. This increases your heartbeat and blood level so breathing will be difficult. To avoid this situation you need to rest frequently after short trekking. It is the best way to address breathing issues.
Not in all cases, but some people may find it extremely difficult to breathe as the altitude increases. In such a situation, it is better to discontinue the trek and go back to the hotel room and take a rest.
If the situation becomes worse, the victim can seek medical treatment. For instant help from other trekking members, you should be in a group rather than walking alone on this trip.
Another idea to avoid this health issue is to have good relations with the team members. Communicating with the group members and enjoying the journey can help relax your mind and body.
Likewise, altitude sickness can be avoided by taking a proper rest each night after a whole day of trekking. So, rather than wasting time gossiping and using your mobile, you should take a complete rest. This helps you boost your energy for the next day.
When you rest between this trekking, make sure you rest properly until you feel normal in breathing. If you continue the trekking while still in altitude sickness, you may worsen the situation.
It is also a good idea to take Diamox and related pills to ease breathing in such a situation. However, consultation with a health expert is necessary. If someone is allergic to this medicine, it is better to avoid it.
Following these simple tips can help you avoid altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Additional Tips To Handle Altitude Sickness
When you prepare yourself for Everest base camp short trekking, focus more on making yourself fit and healthy. Your mind and body should be fit enough to handle the challenges that come across this journey.
You should do physical workouts, exercises, running, and walking for some days before starting this trek. You should also do yoga and meditation that ease your mentality in harsh situations.
You should frequently drink energy boosters and protein drinks during this trekking. This can help you avoid shortness of breath up to some extent.
If necessary, you can take the help of therapies and some homeopathic to ease the situation.
You should talk with the team members, tour operator, and guide about your situation. You definitely need the help of other people during this sickness.
Other important things are wearing warm clothes, carrying hot water bottles, and frequently drinking tea and coffee. This can also help you get some relief.
You can also use anti-sickness pills, paracetamol, and painkillers to ease your situation. However, the use of medicines and pills is limited as it can have negative effects.
Doing heavy exercise, running, or walking quickly can make you struggle with breathing in this area. So, keep these thighs in mind and act accordingly.
Tour experts should help the trekkers to deal with altitude sickness. You should make them take a deep breath and remove all the anxieties from their mind. Keeping your mind strong will help solve the breathing issue up to some extent.
These tips are helpful in handling altitude sickness in the Everest Base Camp trek. Not just that, you can adopt these tricks for other mountain sicknesses too.
Does drinking water help with altitude sickness?
Yes, drinking water helps with altitude sickness. Though it is not the exact treatment for this medical issue, it can reduce some symptoms and uneasiness caused by altitude sickness.
Drinking enough water and a liquid diet can help you keep yourself hydrated which is directly related to increasing oxygen levels in your body. So, it is somewhat effective in handling altitude sickness.
However, you should consider drinking hot or lukewarm water. This not only helps you get relief from shortness of breath but also reduces headaches and dizziness.
How do you recover from altitude sickness fast?
Altitude sickness can be recovered fast by simply climbing down from a higher altitude and resting until you feel better. You can also take the help of anti-sickness medicines, supplement oxygen, and enough liquid diet to recover fast.
Apart from these, you should do yoga and meditation to keep your mental health fresh and calm. Talk with your group members and relax your mind. This can ease your breathing and keep you active throughout the trekking.
What Not To Do With Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is a critical health condition, so you should not panic during this situation. You should calm your mind and body and have a strong presence. You should not take alcohol, smoke, or use tobacco during this situation.
Avoid doing heavy exercises and workouts as this can waste your energy. You need a lot of strength and stamina for trekking for many hours. So, save your energy for climbing and walking in higher altitudes. This will definitely help you overcome altitude sickness.
Who Is Prone To Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is a common health issue at higher altitudes that can happen to anyone. However, the people who have previously faced this situation can relate to this issue more. Besides that, people with breathing issues and respiratory diseases are more likely to struggle with this situation.
People with low stamina, elderly people, and people suffering from some long-term diseases may find altitude sickness in mountain areas. So, they should be prepared enough to deal with such health issues.