Altitude Sickness Prevention Guide

# Altitude Sickness Prevention Guide

Altitude sickness (AMS) is the biggest risk on high-altitude Nepal treks. Here is how to prevent, recognise and respond to it.

## The Golden Rule

**If you feel sick, do not go higher. If you feel worse, descend immediately.**

## Prevention

1. **Ascend slowly** — gain no more than 300–500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,000m
2. **Acclimatisation days** — rest days at Namche (3,440m), Dingboche (4,410m), etc.
3. **Hydrate** — 3–4 litres of water per day
4. **Eat well** — high-carb meals
5. **Avoid alcohol and sedatives** at altitude
6. **Consider Diamox** (acetazolamide) — consult your doctor before travel

## Symptoms

### Mild AMS
– Headache
– Nausea/vomiting
– Fatigue
– Dizziness
– Loss of appetite
– Poor sleep

### Severe AMS (medical emergency)
– Difficulty breathing at rest
– Severe headache not relieved by painkillers
– Confusion, stumbling
– Blue lips/fingers
– Fluid in lungs (gurgling breath)

## Treatment

1. **Mild AMS** — rest, hydrate, take ibuprofen. Do NOT ascend. Usually resolves in 1–2 days.
2. **Severe AMS** — DESCEND IMMEDIATELY by at least 500–1000m. Consider helicopter evacuation if symptoms are severe.

## Gear That Helps

A **pulse oximeter** (available to rent) lets you monitor blood oxygen. Readings below 85% at altitude warrant attention.