Give Oxygen, Niphedipine and Dexamethasone for HAPE. If symptoms worsen descend immediately at least 500-1000m. Take analgesia for headaches, consider anti emetics for nausea.
If you have visited high altitude previously and did not suffer Acute Mountain Sickness it does not mean you won’t on subsequent visits, your age & fitness are not factors either. If you experienced AMS on a previous trip to high altitude it is more likely it will happen on any subsequent visits. Nomad can supply Diamox, simply book a consultation with one of our expert travel nurses at any of our clinics to get a supply for your trip. The body also has an increased cardiac output and an increase of haemoglobin to help transport oxygen. Nomad travel clinics are stocked with Diamox that can be prescribed in your consultation. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can help in preventing preventing acidosis of the blood and keeping breathing stimulated without undergoing apnoea. ALWAYS attempt to descend if symptoms of altitude illness worsen at a altitude or if symptoms are severe.Ĭonsider taking Acetazolamide (Diamox) as this will assist in acclimatisation. Drink lots of fluids and minimise exertion. Never sleep more than 300 metres higher than previous night and/or in the presence of symptoms of AMS. Usually occurs at least 2 days after ascentīe aware of the symptoms of altitude, Acclimatise slowly. The cough may become productive with blood-stained sputum.
HAPE – As HACE plus shortness of breath with exertion, and a dry cough, progressing to shortness of breath at rest.Usually occurs at least 2 days after ascent, HACE – As AMS plus lethargy, confusion and ataxia.Usually benign and self-limiting and if further ascent is delayed it tends to resolve in 1-3 days. AMS – Headache plus one or more of following: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, dizziness.High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) – not necessarily preceded by AMS.High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) – if AMS is left to progress, 10% may develop this life threatening illness.Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – most common, affecting approx 65% travellers.