Category: Climbing Mountains

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Explained  Over the last couple of weeks we have discussed all the changes that your body will go through and how to best cope with the altitude and how best to prepare for it…….. Now, what happens when things do not go to plan? Acute Mountain Sickness: The Intro There are many things that can go wrong while on your trip. They can range from physical injury to severe illness. Over the next couple of weeks to months, we’ll be going over and discussing the various things that may go wrong. In each of the topics, we will look at the causes, symptoms, treatment, prognosis and complications so that, if you are ever faced with any of these problems, you will have the knowledge to best manage the situation. Altitude Sickness comes in 3 main forms, ranging from mild to severe. The mild cases of AMS (which we will be discussing today) are similar to a “hang-over”. The more severe aspects include HAPE and HACE. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) AMS is the mildest and most common type of illness experienced while ascending to higher altitudes. The majority of people will be affected slightly while a small percentage will feel like “death”. If you experience any sign or symptom of AMS, you should take this as a warning sign and speak to the healthcare professional on duty, as you are at a higher risk for developing the more serious forms of altitude sickness: HAPE and HACE. Generally, most people are good shape up to 2500m, but very small symptoms such as breathlessness can occur from as low as 1500m. Once above 2500m, these symptoms will become more noticeable. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) does not discriminate, it can happen to anyone. Women and men are equally affected, and it

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Preparation for high altitude trekking advice from us to you! Last week we discussed the physiological changes your body will go through at high altitudes. This week we will be delving into how best to preparation for high altitude trekking ascents so you that are able to enjoy and love every moment of the trip. Preparation for high altitude trekking: The Intro Before you leave and tackle the mountain you’ve decided upon there are quite a few things you can do in preparation for high altitude trekking for the challenges ahead. These tips and ideas aren’t rules and regulations that you must follow, like a specific diet or intense workout program, but rather guidelines which have been tried and tested to help you cope and acclimatize more easily. These guidelines will range from pre-trip preparation, on the mountain tactics, supplementation and exercise/diet best suited for your trip. So. the sooner I stop talking and get on with it, the sooner you’ll be able to get going. Let’s starts with the pre-trip preparation and make our way up from there (yes, the pun was intended). Preparation for high altitude trekking: Pre-trip Preparation Now there are few things which you can do before leaving that will help with acclimatizing and thereby avoiding the illnesses associated with high altitudes, mainly, Actue Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). These tips may not completely prevent them from occurring as they don’t discriminate.  Your age, gender or fitness doesn’t make you more prone. You may have never suffered from any of them on your previous hikes and then on the next one you may. As we all know though – “prevention is better than cure”. Number 1 – Make an appointment to see your doctor It is important to