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Altitude sickness - Ways to treat the condition

By jenniferstone20 on Aug 30, 2011 |Health and Fitness

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Altitude sickness is not a very common disease. It can affect those who climb mountains and such altitudes. The reason for this is often the change in the atmosphere. When we go above the normal ground level, the air pressure changes and oxygen content in the air also becomes reduced. When the body can not adjust to this change, it causes this disease. The disease may also be referred to as the Acute mountain sickness. It occurs at a height of 2400 meters.

The condition requires quick and prompt treatment. One must report it to the available healthcare experts as soon as possible because it can prove to be fatal if it goes untreated. The first signs occur when the climber feels chest aches and difficulty in breathing. The heart beats will show an increased rate of beating. This can be measured by the stethoscope. Medical videos also provide such information. Along with the heart rate, the pulse rate may also increase, making it difficult for the individual to carry out further movement. Head aches and dizziness are quite possible, and pretty evident.

The main way to deal with altitude sickness is to climb down. Generally, it is experienced when the person is at the adventure. Immediate plan of action is to come down in altitude. After climbing down, generally the person should feel better. Once the symptoms are notice, one must not exert. Also, one must not go ahead and continue to climb as that may be dangerous to health.

As a part of treatment, administration of oxygen from storage is important. The lack of oxygen plays a vital role in triggering the medical condition. The nest step should be admission in the hospital, if the person does not feel better. One must not be careless in this aspect. One of the drugs recommend by even online doctors is Acetazolamide (Diamox). This assists the process of respiration and decreases the discomfort.

In case of a pulmonary edema occurrence due to altitude sickness, the next step in management should include medical aid, drugs like phosphodiesterase inhibitor and lung inhalers. This is because; fluid may have entered the lungs. This can lead to severely critical conditions. Sometimes, instruments for respiring may be used.

If you have doubts, do not ignore them. Approach your doctors for more information or alternatively read medical articles on the subject. It is always better to be informed!

Altitude sickness - also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers at high altitude (typically above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters). Find out more information altitude sickness and online doctors from our website.

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