Altitude mountain sickness can affect anyone that lives at sea level or
low elevation , most noteably when they ascend approximately 2500
meters (8000 ft) higher than the altitude which they are accustomed.
Simply spending a few hours there will normally only result in a slight
headache. However taking exercise there and spending more than a couple
of hours can result in more symptoms. Every person is affected by the
reduced oxygen due to higher elevations. It can lead to life
threatening conditions of two different forms of acute mountain
sickness (AMS) which can occur individually or combined of high
altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
Both preventable if we have a proper acclimatization and if symptoms
appear our professional staff will be able to recognized and
treat them on time.
Acclimatization abilities are different from person to person and bear
absolutely no relationship to fitness. Some people need more time at
altitude than others. Our acclimatization progress should be
gradual and slow to optimize our performance. Following a
moderate rate to ascend 300 m /1000ft per day to gain elevation above
3000 m /10000 ft and to rest each 3 days or approx 900 m /3000 ft
is the golden rule which cannot always be applied on all mountain
ranges. Therefore our itineraries are based on climb high and sleep
low, gaining 1000 m / 3300 ft each day by carrying loads to high camp
or day hikes and returning to sleep at a lower altitude to
recover due to the accessibility of our logistic support.
 Climbers suffer uncomfortable symptoms such as mild headache, loss of
appetite, dizziness, nausea, breathing and pulse rate
increase, a descent to lower elevation usually brings fast improvement.
These are mechanisms of defense that our body performs due to the
faster production of red blood cells to carry the less amounts of
oxygen in higher elevation.
Hydration is critical in avoiding AMS . We recommend to drink enough
water so you can monitor your urine , it should be copious and clear.
DIAMOX
Diamox is as an effective way to treat mountain sickness and many
doctors prescribe it as a preventative. We are not doctors and cannot
make such recommendations, it is a personal decision if the exposure to
altitude is done in a short period of time due to lack of
acclimatization. We have observed that taking it as a
prophylactic helps to sleep better in altitude, it is not a substitute
for acclimatization and side effects . The most noticeable is
that this drug works as a diuretic therefore drink plenty of liquids to
prevent dehydration , other side effects are tingling in the fingers
and toes. People who are allergic to sulphur drug should not take
Diamox. As all medication consult your doctor before travelling. |
Acclimatization 
