The mountain is a great adventure playground, but for some it is also the unpleasant discovery of altitude sickness.
Yes, imagine, you are on top of a mountain, not necessarily the top of the world. It could be absolute happiness. But a vise grips your temples. You feel nauseous… What’s going on? It’s mountain sickness. In fact, it is a problem of atmospheric pressure … The air being less dense at high altitude, each inspiration makes penetrate less molecules of oxygen in the blood. And the body has trouble adapting?
From what altitude can you experience altitude sickness?
From 2000 meters above sea level, some people may feel bad. The number of patients increases with altitude. Thus, it is estimated that one in three people is affected between 3000 and 4000 meters, and this increases to one in two between 4000 and 5000 meters. And be careful! The great sportsman can be as well defeated as the novice, there is no rule.
The first manifestations of this disease are mild, but if we are not careful, can it be more serious!
Yes, because complications can occur such as vomiting, loss of balance, even behavioral and speech disorders. And there, it is the alert, it means the appearance of pulmonary or cerebral edema… The outcome of which can be fatal!
What are the precautions to take to avoid this happening?
There is a basic rule to follow: go up slowly. Beyond 3000 m, it is recommended not to climb more than 300 or 400 m of vertical drop per day, and to sleep two nights at the same altitude every 1000 m.
And if, despite the usual precautions, the symptoms appear on the rise, we pitch the tent and wait?
No, we have to re-ash! The first symptoms should not be considered as an admission of weakness … Unfortunately, accidents occur every year, due to lack of information or negligence.
And there are no drugs?
Certain more or less effective drugs may be prescribed. You should consult your doctor. And in prevention for the most anxious, there are screening tests that certain specialist doctors can offer you. But as a general rule, if you do not have heart or respiratory disease, if you are over 18 months, if you are not pregnant, a gradual rise and a day or two of rest upon arrival, you will be able to enjoy the summits and their panorama!
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