MEDICAL TIPS FOR TOURISTS TRAVELLING TO HIGH ALTITUDE

HIGH ALTITUDE : It is defined as areas above 9000ft or 2700m from sea level.

Few Famous Tourist places in india which are in high altitude :

1. Leh - ladhak
2. Sikkim
3. Gulmarg

PROBLEMS IN HIGH ALTITUDE :

1) Low oxygen
2) Low humidity
3) Low atm pressure

Acclimatisation : It is a physiological process by which body adapts to the environmental condition.In case of high altitude the body needs to adapt to low oxygen,low humidity and low admospheric pressure.                            

There is a acclimatisation schedule followed by mountaineers , military personnels etc which comprise of :

1. 9000ft-12000ft      -    6days acclimatisation is required
2. 12000ft-15000ft    -    4days are required
3. 15000ft-18000ft    -    4days are required

But on the contrary tourists due to time constraints donnot acclimatise to the altitude and are prone to suffer from high altitude illness.

"By following the undermentioned tips one can easily avoid high altitude illness"

1. As soon as you land in high altitude , go for complete bed rest atleast for 12-15hrs.

• Most of the tourist face high altitude effect during dis time as they donnot take adequate rest.

2. Drink lot of fluids ( water , tea , coffee etc)

    Avoid alcoholic beverages.  

3. Wear clothes in layers in order 2 prevent from cold temp and wind.

    Always make sure you are wearing a good quality wollen skull cap.

4. Wear wollen socks and snow boats while walking on snow to prevent freezing injury.

     Donnot forget to carry extra pair of socks in case ur socks get wet.

5. Use UV protected sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF > 30%.

6. Get you blood pressure regularly checked in the nearest health centre.

7. Always carry a portable oxygen cylinder.

8.If you experience headache , vomiting , loss of appetite , insomnia ; than most likely you have acquired acute mountain sickness which is very common in tourists.

• Do not panic
• Take complete rest
• Take Oxygen 2-3L/min by face mask
• Drink of lots of fluid
• Take analgesics like combiflame for headache
• If you have vomiting take antiemetic drugs like metochlopramide / domperidone .
• Diamox 250mg twice a day can be started which helps in relieving symptoms of AMS.

9. On experiencing of severe breathlessness which is not relieved with rest and oxygen you should visit the nearest health centre to make sure you are not suffering from high altitude pulmonary oedema.

I AM SURE IF THESE THINGS ARE PUT IN PRACTICE YOUR WILL FEEL AT HOME  , EVEN IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS.

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