As Lhasa lies at over 12000 ft
most people will experience some of minor symptoms and discomforts
of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until
their body adjusts to the elevation. This can take form a few hours
to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it easy and
rest when you first arrive. Eat lightly but drink plenty of non
alcoholic liquids. Proper hydration is critical to acclimatization.
Generally altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is defined as high
altitude. Since most places in Tibet are higher than that level,
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), also called Altitude Sickness is the
biggest health threat to tourists in Tibet. AMS is common at high
altitudes due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. It is usual
that most people will experience symptoms at different levels at
that 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. Many
people will experience one or more AMS symptoms upon their arrival
in Tibet. The symptoms will usually decrease in severity gradually
during the acclimatization. Mild AMS is usual and will not interfere
with mild activity.
However AMS can be very serious. The most serious symptoms are 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 visit to Tibet, get as fit and healthy as possible, both
physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart,
lungs and other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor
before making the decision to visit Tibet.
AMS can be lessened or avoided. Proper acclimatization can also ease
and reduce AMS symptoms. A gradual ascent will allow your body to
acclimatize to higher altitudes and the decreased oxygen supply. Go
higher 300 - 400 hundred meters (984 - 1,312 feet) daily and have a
rest after every 1,000 meter (3280 feet) ascent. Medication also
helps to prevent AMS. Mild AMS symptoms can be cured with proper
medication. Once medications do not respond to the symptoms, go to
hospital or evacuate immediately to safe altitude!
The following precautions may help to keep AMS away from you: Since
fluid loss usually accompanies the acclimatization process, drink
plenty of fluids (3 - 4 litres daily at least) and eat carbohydrate
food to maintain properly hydrated; Do not over exert and maintain
light activity right after your arrival;
Stay way from smoking and alcohol and other depressants such as
tranquilizers and sleeping pills, which will depress the respiratory
drive and oxygen intake.
Always keep in mind the following rules which may ensure you a
smooth and enjoyable trip to Tibet: Any sickness at high altitude is
AMS until proven otherwise; Never go higher with symptoms of AMS; It
is significant that you report any symptoms of AMS immediately to
other group members in the trip |
Tibet
