Prevention from Altitude Sickness

Hiking, bicycling, or skiing in the mountains may seem like a vacation from paradise, but altitude illness can cause a rapid descent into the depths of hells. Reduced atmospheric pressures at high altitudes result in thinner air, which reduces the amount of oxygen available for breathing. Although dietary changes may be a feasible means of prophylaxis, research on the issue has produced mixed results.

Defining the high altitudes

High altitude is defined as 4,921 to 11,483 feet, extremely high altitude is 11,483 to 18,045 feet, and extreme altitude is over 18,045 feet, according to the researchers.  Probability of experiencing altitude sickness depends on the height you ascend, your health, and the elevation to which you are already acclimated. A person who lives at 5,000 feet may not need to acclimate to Summit County’s 9,000-foot resorts, while someone who lives at sea level may suffer from altitude sickness. Your preventative food plan is determined by your present health, the height of your climb, and the amount of acclimatization you require. 

 

Types of altitude illness

 

Insomnia, headaches, dizziness, lack of appetite, and tiredness are common symptoms of moderate altitude sickness. Vomiting and shakiness are two other symptoms of moderate altitude sickness.Severe altitude sickness, also known as high-altitude pulmonary edema, is characterized by chest tightness, coughing up a frothy fluid, bewildered, illogical behavior, and shortness of breath when at rest. Mild and severe altitude sickness can be relieved by descending to a lower altitude, but higher-altitude pulmonary edema necessitates rapid descent and transfer to a nearby emergency center.While proper food management reduces the risk of mild or severe altitude sickness, it is useless for tourists from sea level who attempt activities at 18,000 feet on their first or second day in the higher elevation country.

 

Hydration 

Your ability to acclimate to a high-alpine environment is thwarted by dehydration. Long air travels put you at risk of dehydration. Excessive coffee and alcohol intake, which is common when flying long distances, adds to general dehydration and should be avoided prior to and throughout the first few days of your vacation. Alcohol in your bloodstream prevents your body’s tissues from using oxygen normally. According to research done by Florida University’s Flight Performance School, one alcoholic drink consumed at a higher altitude is equivalent to three drinks consumed at sea level. Staying hydrated in a high-altitude setting requires drinking at least 1 to 2 liters of water each day.

 

Carbohydrate

The use of carbohydrates to prevent altitude sickness is a hotly debated topic. Carbohydrate consumption, according to proponents such as experts at the Nepal International Clinic, boosts carbon dioxide generation, which raises your breathing rate.The authors of “Going Higher: Oxygen Man and Mountains,” Charles S. Houston, David E. Harris, and E.J. Zeman contends that additional research demonstrates that a high-carbohydrate diet has little or no effect on altitude sickness. They recommend eating modest meals and carbohydrate snacks throughout the day, with protein consumed in the evening.There is no conclusive evidence that an antioxidant-rich diet or supplementation reduces altitude sickness. Vitamin C and vitamin E-rich foods can help to improve general health and make you less susceptible to colds, flu, and viruses. Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, whereas vitamin E is abundant in wheat germ and almonds.

Travel Vaccination

If possible, see the doc or a personal travel clinic a minimum of eight weeks before you're because of travel. Some vaccines got to lean well beforehand to permit your body to develop immunity. and a few vaccines involve variety of doses adjoin many weeks or months. you will be a lot of in danger of some diseases, for example, if you're: motion in rural areas packing staying in hostels or habitation on an extended trip instead of a tour If you've got a pre-existing health problem, this could cause you to more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.
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Healthy Travel Package List

Pack necessary items for your health and safety You may not be able to buy and carry all of the items, and some of them may not be necessary for your travel. Consult with your doctor about the relevant items that are to be carried with you while travelling. This is a basic list, and it may not contain all of the items you require. If you are a traveler with special health requirements, such as those who are pregnant, immune challenged, or going for a specific reason like humanitarian relief work, visit our Traveler Information Center for additional information. In case of travel delays, remember to bring spares of vital health items along with you.
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Altitude Illness

Altitude Illness is common in higher altitudes, where the amount of oxygen is considerably lesser than sea level. It mostly occurs when the body can't acclimatize to the new surroundings while we are in high hills and mountains. Cold, low humidity, increased UV radiation, and lower air pressure are all stressors of the high-altitude environment, all of which can pose issues for travellers. Hypoxia, on the other hand, is the major worry. The severity of hypoxic stress is determined by altitude, rate of climb, and exposure time. The greatest hypoxia is produced when sleeping at high altitudes; day visits to high altitudes followed by a return to low altitudes are far less taxing on the body.
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