Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: High-Altitude Sickness
Why in the News?
The tragic death of a trekker scaling Garur Peak in Uttarakhand, underscores the dangers of high-altitude sickness in the Himalayas.
What is High-Altitude Sickness?
- Causes: High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to acclimatise to elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Symptoms: Early signs include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If untreated, it may escalate to:
- High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
- High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Fluid in the brain, leading to confusion, hallucinations, and coma.
Prevention and Treatment
- To prevent AMS, experts recommend a slow ascent with rest days every 3-4 days above 3,000 meters and avoiding sleeping elevation increases of more than 500 meters per day.
- Medications:
- Acetazolamide: Aids acclimatisation.
- Dexamethasone: Reduces severe inflammation.
- Nifedipine: Prevents HAPE in high-risk individuals.
Note: Medications are not foolproof and are to be taken under medical guidance.
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