Altitude sickness & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is an abnormal condition that occurs in the body when you are at a high altitude. Acute mountain sickness aka Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common form of altitude sickness.

How common is altitude sickness?

Based on statistics, half of the total number of people on earth, both men and women, can experience altitude sickness, especially at an altitude of 2,400 meters and above. This condition is also more common in people who have lung problems and who are accustomed to living in low-lying areas, so they feel unfamiliar with the air and pressure in high areas.

Altitude sickness is a medical condition that generally goes away when you become accustomed to natural conditions at a certain altitude, as well as when you return to a place at a lower altitude. However, if you have experienced a buildup of fluid in your lungs and it is not severe, you need immediate medical emergency treatment.

Cause

What causes altitude sickness?

When you are at a location with a higher altitude, the oxygen level in the air will decrease. Meanwhile, your body will try to adjust your heart rate and breathing faster to keep the oxygen spread that your body needs. If you climb too fast for a short period of time, your body will not be able to adapt properly, and therefore altitude sickness can arise.

Risk factors

What kinds of things increase your risk of getting altitude sickness?

Some of the risk factors that can affect your chances of getting altitude sickness are:

• Age. Young people are more likely to be affected by altitude sickness than the elderly.
• Living area. If you live in a low-lying area, such as an urban on flat land near the coast and have never climbed a mountain.
• Your immune system is not bad.
• Have had lung disease.

Medicines & Medicines

the information below is not a substitute for medical advice from a doctor; ALWAYS consult a professional doctor.

What are some examples of treatments that can be done for people with altitude sickness?

The treatment given depends on the height and severity of your symptoms. Some of the most common treatments for altitude sickness are:

• Generally the patient must be brought to a lower place immediately to start oxygen therapy. Then, the complaints usually disappear after 1-3 days of rest.
• In addition, administering drugs such as paracetamol and aspirin can also relieve symptoms that are not too severe. Other drugs such as acetazolamide and nifedipine are taken if symptoms have entered a more severe level.
• If brain fluid appears in the patient due to altitude, the patient should be immediately taken to a higher place and given low oxygen therapy, then given dexamethasone (a steroid), to help prevent nerve damage and avoid more serious symptoms including death.

What types of tests are commonly performed on people with altitude sickness?

The doctor will diagnose altitude sickness based on your experience visiting a location with high altitude and a clinical examination of the symptoms that arise. Generally, the doctor will use a stethoscope to detect sounds such as friction in the lungs. This sound can be a sign that lung fluid has been spilled.

The doctor also asks you to do a series of tests as follows:

• Blood test
• CT scan of the brain
• X-ray of the chest
• ECG

Home remedies

What forms of lifestyle changes or home remedies can help me deal with altitude sickness?

Some of the healthy lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with altitude sickness are.

• Do not climb to high places too fast, at least 2-4 days to get your body used to it.
• Before climbing, you should see a doctor and ask for instructions on what medications to take to prevent altitude sickness. You must take acetazolamide before climbing and continue to use it. However, while taking this medicine, you may experience side effects such as nausea and numbness of the lips, fingers, and toes.
• Enough rest.
• Drink plenty of water and increase the amount of carbohydrates in your body to minimize the effects of altitude.
• When you are at an altitude, move immediately to a lower place if you feel nervous and breathing problems.

If you have any questions, please consult a professional doctor immediately to find the best medical solution.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.