Mountain Sickness in Tibet
An altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude. Since most places in Tibet Autonomous Region are higher than this level, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called Altitude Sickness is the biggest health risk to tourists in Tibet. AMS is common at high altitudes due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. Most people will experience differing degrees of symptoms at high elevation. The occurrence of AMS is dependent on the altitude, the ascent rate and individual physical condition. Symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. Most people will experience one or more AMS symptoms upon their arrival in Tibet. The symptoms will usually gradually decrease in severity during acclimatization. Mild AMS usually will not interfere with mild activity.
However AMS can be very serious, with the most serious symptoms being High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal. Symptoms of HAPE include weakness, shortness of breath, even at rest, impending suffocation at night, and a persistent productive cough with white, watery, or frothy fluid. Symptoms of HPCE may include headache, ataxia, weakness, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, coma and loss of memory. Both approach and strike at night and can be fatal! Immediate descent is the surest treatment.
Before visiting Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.
AMS can be lessened or avoided with proper acclimatization, which will also ease and reduce AMS symptoms. A gradual ascent will allow your body to acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. Go no higher 300 - 400 hundred meters (984 - 1,312 feet) daily and have a rest after each 1,000 meter (3280 feet) ascent. Medication also helps to prevent AMS. Mild AMS symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication does not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude!
The following precautions may help to prevent or lessen the effects of AMS:
However AMS can be very serious, with the most serious symptoms being High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which can be fatal. Symptoms of HAPE include weakness, shortness of breath, even at rest, impending suffocation at night, and a persistent productive cough with white, watery, or frothy fluid. Symptoms of HPCE may include headache, ataxia, weakness, hallucinations, psychotic behavior, coma and loss of memory. Both approach and strike at night and can be fatal! Immediate descent is the surest treatment.
Before visiting Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.
AMS can be lessened or avoided with proper acclimatization, which will also ease and reduce AMS symptoms. A gradual ascent will allow your body to acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. Go no higher 300 - 400 hundred meters (984 - 1,312 feet) daily and have a rest after each 1,000 meter (3280 feet) ascent. Medication also helps to prevent AMS. Mild AMS symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication does not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude!
The following precautions may help to prevent or lessen the effects of AMS:1. Get a thorough physical examination and seek advice from your doctor if you plan to visit Tibet. If you suffer from anemia, hypertension, or heart problems perhaps you should not visit the area.
2. Be careful not to catch a cold and also ensure you are in good health before heading there. Bring medicines for colds, diarrhea and fever with you. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening lozenges will be of great help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.
3. On the first day of your arrival, avoid vigorous activities such as walking fast, running and swimming. Bathing and smoking are also not recommended.
4. Since fluid loss usually accompanies the acclimatization process, drink plenty of water (3 - 4 litres daily at least), eat lightly and take in carbohydrate food to keep the body properly hydrated. Snacks with high caloric content, like chocolate, should come in handy.
5. Don't smoke, drink alcohol or take other depressants such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills. These will depress the respiratory drive and limit oxygen intake.4. Since fluid loss usually accompanies the acclimatization process, drink plenty of water (3 - 4 litres daily at least), eat lightly and take in carbohydrate food to keep the body properly hydrated. Snacks with high caloric content, like chocolate, should come in handy.
Always keep in mind the following rules which will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Tibet:
1. Any sickness at high altitude is AMS until proven otherwise;
2. Never go higher with symptoms of AMS;
3. It is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to other group members in the trip.
2. Never go higher with symptoms of AMS;
3. It is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to other group members in the trip.
- Last updated on Jun. 19, 2024 by Brenda Lian -