Complete Information on Acute mountain sickness with Treatment and Prevention

Acute mountain sickness is actually more common in fit young men because they are more likely to attempt a rapid ascent by racing up the mountain like some indestructible super hero. It usually occurs when people rapidly reach a high altitude. Acute mountain sickness occurs from the combination of reduced air pressure and a lower concentration of oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening, and can affects the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and heart. This usually occurs in individuals exposed to an altitude over 7,000 feet who have not had a chance to acclimate to the altitude before engaging in physical activities. Mountain climbers, trekkers, skiers, and travelers to the Andes or Himalayas are at greatest risk. While individual tolerance varies, symptoms usually appear in several hours, with those in poor physical condition being most susceptible.

If anyone have a previous history of suffering from acute mountain sickness, then he or her are probably more likely to get it again. In most cases the symptoms are mild. In severe cases fluid collects in the lungs causing extreme shortness of breath, which further reduces how much oxygen a person gets. Brain swelling may also occur. This can cause confusion, coma, and, if untreated, death. Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms. Acute mountain sickness is considered to be a neurological problem caused by changes in the central nervous system. It is basically a mild form of high altitude cerebral edema.

The symptoms of this disorder can be prevented or minimized by gradually ascending over several days to give your body a chance to acclimate to the higher altitude. The chance of getting acute mountain sickness increases the faster a person climbs into a high altitude. The severity of the symptoms also depend on this factor, as well as how much the person pushed him or herself. The mainstay of treatment for all forms of altitude illness is to descend to lower altitude as rapidly and safely as possible. Acetazolamide helps to speed acclimatization and reduce minor symptoms. Therapy should start one day before the ascent and continue one to two days into the excursion. This measure is recommended for those making a rapid ascent to high altitudes. Drink sufficient fluids, avoid alcohol, and eat regularly. Foods should be relatively high in carbohydrates.

The builds of fluids in the lungs is treated with oxygen, the high blood pressure medicine nifedipine, and, in severe cases, a breathing machine. Taking the prescription medication Diamox 250 mg three times a day has been shown to speed up the acclimatization process and can be taken shortly before and during the ascent. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sulfa drugs. This medication is a mild diuretic and may work by changing the body's acid-base balance and stimulating breathing. Dexamethasone 8 mg once a day has also been shown to be effective. Portable hyperbaric chambers have been developed to allow hikers to simulate their conditions at lower altitudes without moving from their location on the mountain. These new devices are very important if bad weather or other factors make climbing down the mountain impossible.