|
Altitude Sickness
Sunday, April 3, 2005-8:54 AM
TIBETAN PRIMER: Practical information for first-time visitors to the Himalayan Kingdom
PART 2: Two Miles High: How to deal with altitude sickness
(Note: The following information was gleaned from various internet sources, and does not substitute for the advice of a doctor.)
At ten thousand feet above sea level 75% of people experience mild symptons of altitude sickness. Lhasa sits at around 12,000 feet above sea level, an altitude officially considered "very high".
Altitude sickness, the result of decreased air pressure and decreased oxygen levels, manifests itself in the following symptoms: headache, insomnia, dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea. There are two approaches to mitigating the effects of altitude sickness.
The first is proper acclimatization. Some suggestions in order to proper acclimatize to high altitudes include not flying to destinations. But because some land routes to Lhasa pass through altitudes 16,000 feet above sea level this might just make things worse. More suitable advice is to take it easy (but don't just sleep) the first day after arrival, keep hydrated, and avoid alcohol.
The second approach to dealing with altitude sickness is through medicine, the most common being Diamox (Acetazolamide) to increase respiration. Typically this is taken beginning 1 day before arrival and continuing for six days. The typical dosage is 250 mg twice a day, but the Himalayan Rescue Association Medical Clinic recommends 125 mg twice a day.
Be forewarned tough: Acetazolamide has diuretic effects.
|
