What can you do to prevent altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is an uncomfortable condition that affects people when they are travelling to high altitude destinations. It mostly occurs due to a significant decrease in atmospheric pressure due to which you find it tough to inhale enough oxygen. It can occur at a height of 2,500m above sea level and can also affect people who go for skiing, hiking or trekking at a high altitude.

• Increase in the depth of respiration


• The production of more red blood cells in order to carry oxygen


• The body produces more enzyme that trigger the release of oxygen from haemoglobin for reaching body tissues


• The pressure in pulmonary capillaries is increased which forces blood into lung which is not done when breathing at sea level

However, the symptoms of altitude sickness are highly uncomfortable and you need to carry a suitable treatment of altitude sickness and take additional precautions. The decrease in atmospheric pressure at high altitudes results in decrease in oxygen supply to your brain and muscles. Severe altitude sickness occurs when there is lack of acclimatisation (adaption of your body to thinner air and the lack of oxygen). This implies that after reaching a high altitude your body is unable to adjust to the height and move further up. As a result, your lungs and heart have to work harder and you have to deal with adverse symptoms.

The symptoms of altitude sickness can differ from person to person as it also depends on the height and promptness at which you climb. There are some people who are more vulnerable to the effects of this condition. The most common symptoms for altitude sickness include nausea, dizziness, difficulty in breathing and fatigue. In some rare cases, it can also cause vomiting, severe headaches, shortness of breath and lack of concentration. Some people may experience fatal complications and hence they should descend and contact a doctor immediately.

Diamox is a prescription medication that helps to ease the symptoms of altitude sickness. The active ingredient of this medication is acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and diuretic. Acetazolamide changes the acidity of the blood due to which the possibility of headaches decreases. It also reduces the level of fluid around the vital organs that helps in breathing normally. You can buy Diamox capsules in doses of 250mg from any of the registered online pharmacies. This altitude sickness medication is not prescribed to people who are allergic to its ingredients, suffer from gout, kidney or liver problems or have low blood potassium or sodium levels.You can read more about this medication by visiting http://www.euroclinix.net/diamox.html.

Just like other prescription medication, some people may suffer from side effects of this medication. The commonly reported side effects are headaches, dizziness, fatigue and diarrhoea. Some rare side effects are changes in libido, drowsiness and ringing of the ears. If you suffer from any of these symptoms you should inform your doctor immediately as it may affect your liver or kidneys adversely.