Many tourists get altitude sickness when they go to high elevations. This piece will teach you about the 3 stages of altitude sickness, including their signs, what causes them, and how to keep them from having serious health effects.
What causes altitude sickness?
If you ascend quickly or have health problems, symptoms of altitude sickness are more likely.
Most people suffer from altitude sickness when they climb too quickly to high altitudes with low oxygen levels. Your body will have a hard time adjusting. If you are not used to the altitude, the Les Andes can make your problems worse.
Common symptoms at high altitude
Headache, nausea, and dizziness are typical early signs of altitude sickness. After arriving, many vacationers experience these symptoms within a few hours.
Stage 1 – Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Headache, dizziness and exhaustion are common in stage 1 of altitude sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Many patients with moderate AMS can control it with rest and drinks. AMS usually first appears in people who ascend too quickly without acclimatization.
Stage 2 – High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
HAPE, the second stage, is more serious. Breathing problems and chest congestion are symptoms. HAPE is riskier untreated because fluid can build in the lungs. If these symptoms occur, descend and seek medical help.
Stage 3 – High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
High altitude cerebral edema (HACE), the last stage, can induce confusion and coordination problems. HACE, the most dangerous, requires immediate descent and medical attention to avoid serious complications.
Tips for preventing the stages of altitude sickness
To prevent altitude sickness symptoms from progressing through what are the 3 stages of altitude sickness, follow these tips:
- Ascend gradually: Give yourself enough time to acclimate by limiting your daily rise to 300–500 meters (1,500 feet).
- Stay hydrated: which can exacerbate symptoms, by drinking water on a regular basis.
- Consider medication: If taken before to reaching high elevations, medications like acetazolamide can aid in the body’s acclimatization.
Treatments and medications for altitude sickness.
If symptoms occur, it is essential to act quickly to prevent further progression. Effective treatments include:
- Rest and oxygen therapy: help with minor symptoms by means of portable oxygen devices.
- Prescription medications: Medications such dexamethasone and acetazolamide help to lower symptoms and stop more advancement.
- Immediate descent: For severe symptoms, descent is usually the the best way to prevent advancing to dangerous stages of what are the 3 stages of altitude sickness.
