Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the MOST important layering strategy for clothing at high altitudes?
Which of the following is the MOST important layering strategy for clothing at high altitudes?
- Prioritizing waterproof layers over insulating layers in all conditions.
- Focusing on a single, very thick outer layer for warmth.
- Wearing as many layers as possible to maximize insulation.
- Using layers that can be easily added or removed to regulate body temperature. (correct)
Increased urination at high altitudes is primarily due to decreased water consumption as the body tries to conserve energy.
Increased urination at high altitudes is primarily due to decreased water consumption as the body tries to conserve energy.
False (B)
Besides drinking enough fluids, list one way to prevent dehydration while trekking at high altitude.
Besides drinking enough fluids, list one way to prevent dehydration while trekking at high altitude.
keeping hands clean to avoid stomach issues
Dark urine is an indicator that you are not drinking ______.
Dark urine is an indicator that you are not drinking ______.
Match each element of high-altitude trekking with its corresponding preventative measure:
Match each element of high-altitude trekking with its corresponding preventative measure:
Which of the following physiological responses does the body initiate to adapt to higher altitudes?
Which of the following physiological responses does the body initiate to adapt to higher altitudes?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is only a minor inconvenience and does not pose a serious threat to trekkers.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is only a minor inconvenience and does not pose a serious threat to trekkers.
What is the general recommendation for trekkers experiencing worsening symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
What is the general recommendation for trekkers experiencing worsening symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is caused by ______ swelling.
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is caused by ______ swelling.
Match the altitude-related medical conditions with their descriptions:
Match the altitude-related medical conditions with their descriptions:
Why is it strongly recommended to avoid driving beyond Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trek, even with road extensions?
Why is it strongly recommended to avoid driving beyond Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trek, even with road extensions?
What is the primary reason acclimatization days are crucial during high-altitude treks?
What is the primary reason acclimatization days are crucial during high-altitude treks?
If a trekker experiences mild symptoms of AMS that are not worsening, it is safe to continue ascending to higher altitudes.
If a trekker experiences mild symptoms of AMS that are not worsening, it is safe to continue ascending to higher altitudes.
What immediate action should be taken if a person with suspected High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) cannot perform routine tests?
What immediate action should be taken if a person with suspected High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) cannot perform routine tests?
It is safe to leave a person exhibiting symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) unattended while getting help.
It is safe to leave a person exhibiting symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) unattended while getting help.
List three common symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
List three common symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
For HAPE, in addition to immediate descent and administering oxygen, __________ treatment may be necessary when available.
For HAPE, in addition to immediate descent and administering oxygen, __________ treatment may be necessary when available.
Match the following conditions with their primary treatments:
Match the following conditions with their primary treatments:
Why is it important to have a medical check-up six months before a high-altitude trek?
Why is it important to have a medical check-up six months before a high-altitude trek?
Online influencers are always a reliable source of information about altitude sickness.
Online influencers are always a reliable source of information about altitude sickness.
What specific consideration should women with heavy menstrual cycles take into account before trekking at high altitude and why?
What specific consideration should women with heavy menstrual cycles take into account before trekking at high altitude and why?
Contact lens wearers might consider switching to __________ during high altitude treks due to potential dust, grit, and unsanitary conditions.
Contact lens wearers might consider switching to __________ during high altitude treks due to potential dust, grit, and unsanitary conditions.
Why might laser eye surgery patients need to avoid trekking at high altitude soon after their treatment?
Why might laser eye surgery patients need to avoid trekking at high altitude soon after their treatment?
It is acceptable to cut days from a trek to save money, even if it means faster ascent rates.
It is acceptable to cut days from a trek to save money, even if it means faster ascent rates.
Name two consumables that should be reduced or avoided in the weeks leading up to a high-altitude trek, and explain why.
Name two consumables that should be reduced or avoided in the weeks leading up to a high-altitude trek, and explain why.
Due to breathing heavily and more frequently in thinner, drier air at altitude, individuals may experience a blocked or runny nose and a sore or __________ throat.
Due to breathing heavily and more frequently in thinner, drier air at altitude, individuals may experience a blocked or runny nose and a sore or __________ throat.
What should you do if you find yourself carrying too much load while on a high-altitude trek?
What should you do if you find yourself carrying too much load while on a high-altitude trek?
Standard travel insurance policies always cover high-altitude trekking without additional notification or policies.
Standard travel insurance policies always cover high-altitude trekking without additional notification or policies.
Flashcards
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness
Illness caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes (typically above 1,500-2,000 meters).
Acclimatization
Acclimatization
The process where the body adjusts to lower oxygen levels by breathing faster, deeper, and producing more red blood cells.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
A condition caused by brain swelling due to altitude. Symptoms: severe headache, loss of coordination, altered mental state.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
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Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
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Descending
Descending
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Acclimatization Days
Acclimatization Days
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Ignoring Symptoms
Ignoring Symptoms
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Layered Clothing
Layered Clothing
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Sun Protection at Altitude
Sun Protection at Altitude
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Avoid Wet Clothing
Avoid Wet Clothing
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Monitor Hydration
Monitor Hydration
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Trekking Travel Insurance
Trekking Travel Insurance
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HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema)
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HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema)
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First action for HACE/HAPE
First action for HACE/HAPE
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Treatments for HACE/HAPE
Treatments for HACE/HAPE
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Altitude Sickness Awareness
Altitude Sickness Awareness
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Individual Altitude Response
Individual Altitude Response
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Pre-Trek Medical Check-up
Pre-Trek Medical Check-up
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Hydration at Altitude
Hydration at Altitude
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Altitude and Arthritis
Altitude and Arthritis
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Avoid Dehydrating Consumables
Avoid Dehydrating Consumables
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High Altitude Air
High Altitude Air
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Ear Infection Risk
Ear Infection Risk
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Dehydration Effects
Dehydration Effects
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Travel Insurance Importance
Travel Insurance Importance
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Study Notes
- Altitude starts to affect individuals at 1,500 to 2,000 meters and above.
- Higher altitudes have lower air pressure, resulting in thinner air and less oxygen per breath.
- The body adapts to higher altitudes by breathing faster and deeper and producing more red blood cells.
- Ascending too quickly can lead to oxygen deprivation and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE), or High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE), all of which are potentially life-threatening.
- Altitude sickness can be fatal, and acclimatization days are crucial for safety.
- In 2025, road extensions may allow travel beyond Manang on the Annapurna Circuit, but against it it is strongly advised to avoid altitude issues; trekking from Chame is recommended.
- Symptoms getting worse indicates the need to descend 500m-1000m to allow acclimatization.
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)
- Caused by brain swelling and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Common symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increasing lack of coordination
- Irrational behavior
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Coma
- If a person with these symptoms cannot perform simple coordination tests or arithmetic, immediate action is necessary.
- Actions to take:
- Descend immediately
- Administer cylinder oxygen or use a pressure bag if available
- Give dexamethasone or acetazolomide if available
- Do not leave the person unattended
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
- Caused by fluid collecting in the lungs and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Symptoms include:
- Difficulty catching breath
- Breathlessness even when resting
- Wet or crackling sound from the chest
- Actions to take:
- Descend immediately
- Keep the person upright
- Administer cylinder oxygen or use a pressure bag if available
- Give nifedipine or acetazolomide if available
- Do not leave the person unattended
Prevention and Preparation
- Get a full medical check-up 6 months before the trek.
- Consult a doctor about individual needs at altitude and purchase recommended medicines.
- Adjust emergency treatment medicine dosages for children.
- Learn the symptoms of AMS, HACE, and HAPE.
- Get fit before traveling to high altitude.
- Consult a physician about iron supplements if experiencing heavy periods.
- Consult a physician about contraceptive measures due to potential blood clot risks.
- Trekking at high altitude is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Consult a physician about pre-existing medical conditions or current medications.
- Consider glasses instead of contact lenses due to dust, grit, and unsanitary conditions.
- Avoid trekking at high altitude if recently had laser eye surgery.
- Seek medical advice about arthritis and joint pain, which can be aggravated by high altitude.
- Purchase comfortable warm sleeping bags & ear plugs for a good nights sleep if in shared accommodation.
- Reduce or stop drinking coffee/alcohol before moving to altitude.
- Obtain a proper water treatment solution.
- Bring absorbent tissues or gloves for a blocked/runny nose and creams/lip balm/zinc sunscreen for exposed lip/nose areas.
- Consult a medical practitioner beforehand for solutions to potential ear infections.
- Consider a porter for carrying your load.
- Ensure adequate travel insurance for high altitudes.
- Avoid products that cause dehydration, as they can cause headaches and mimic altitude sickness.
- While there is some evidence that garlic can help, there is no exact science that proves otherwise
- Drink plenty of fluids (water), ascend slowly, eat well and regularly, and get more sleep.
- Avoid partying during the trek and wear adequate clothing in layers.
- Be aware of wind prevention and sun exposure.
- Keep hands, feet, and extremities dry and clean.
- Monitor urine and urination for signs of dehydration.
- Understand the symptoms of AMS, HACE, and HAPE for yourself and others.
- Get travel insurance for Nepal before arriving, covering trekking at the intended altitude.
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Description
This lesson covers the effects of high altitude on the human body, including reduced air pressure and oxygen levels. It explains how the body adapts and the dangers of ascending too quickly, leading to altitude sicknesses like AMS, HACE, and HAPE. Acclimatization strategies and recognizing symptoms are crucial for safety.
