A best Tibet tour will expose one to mountains
which have a very high altitude. Basically, a high altitude is an altitude that
is over three thousand meters. This is roughly about 9,843 feet above the
ground. Needless to say, Tibet travel
is evidence enough that it is a high altitude area. For this reason, altitudesickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a health risk that foreign
tourists may experience. This kind of ailment since the oxygen levels decrease
as the altitude increases.
The
occurrence of altitude sickness is influenced by several factors such as the
ascent rate, physical condition of an individual and the altitude. Some of the
symptoms of AMS include shortness of breath, headache, nausea, disturbed sleep
and loss of appetite among others. Most of the climbers will experience
different levels of symptoms at different ascension levels. Some can even
experience the symptoms as soon as they arrive in Tibet. During
acclimatization, the symptoms tend to reduce gradually. Nonetheless, mild
activity cannot be interrupted by mild AMS symptoms.
However,
Acute Mountain sickness can be severe in some cases. A few of the most severe
and fatal symptoms are the High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and high
Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). HAPE
symptoms are a persistent cough which produces a watery or frothy fluid,
shortness of breath even during rest periods and weaknesses. Ataxia, headache,
weakness, coma, memory loss and hallucination are some of the symptoms
experienced by HACE patients. As a matter of fact, they occur and night and can
be very fatal. The most ideal form of treatment is immediate descent.
It is
recommended that the tourists are healthy in all aspects before visiting Tibet.
They need to be physically fit, healthy and psychologically prepared too. Anyone
who has health issues such as anemia, heart, lung or any other organ should
consult their physician before taking on any Tibet adventures. As previously
stated, proper acclimatization can lessen or totally keep AMS at bay. In the
process, the symptoms may also be reduced. A gradual ascent and rest after
every 1,000 meters will help one acclimatize the body to decreased oxygen and
high altitudes.
Here are some tips and precautions that mountain
climbers should follow if they want to avoid mountain sickness. These Tibet
travel tips will also lessen the symptoms and effects of AMS in the event that
one experiences them. Drink plenty of water and eat more carbohydrates so that
the body remains hydrated. Upon arrival, consume light food and avoid overeating.
The use of cigarettes, depressants and alcohol should be avoided at all costs.
These things only depress the respiratory tract which in turn limits the oxygen
intake. Treat all ailments experienced on a high altitude until it is proved
otherwise. In the event that you getthe symptoms of mountain sickness, go no
further and immediately inform the other people with you.
In addition, seek the advice and opinion of people who
have had similar experiences in the past. If one has a respiratory condition,
it is better to postpone the trip till you get better. However, this should not
deter one from exploring Tibet. Lastly, if the symptoms become severe, please
seek medical attention.
