Your body may not get enough oxygen when engaging in any high-altitude activity, including mountain climbing, hiking, driving, or other physical pursuits.
People who aren’t used to these heights are most susceptible to altitude sickness, which typically occurs at altitudes of 8,000 feet and above. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache and insomnia.
Because altitude sickness is unpredictable and can occur to anyone at a high elevation, it is a condition that should not be taken lightly.
There are three categories for altitude sickness:
AMS
The most frequent type of altitude sickness is known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), which has symptoms that are very similar to those of intoxication.
HACE
If acute mountain sickness continues, a condition known as high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which is a severe form of AMS in which the brain swells and loses its normal function, can develop.
· extreme drowsiness
· confusion and irritability
· trouble walking
HACE can be fatal if it isn’t treated right away.
HAPE
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which can develop independently or as a result of HACE, is characterized by the accumulation of extra fluid in the lungs, which makes it challenging for them to function normally.
· increased breathlessness during exertion
· severe coughing
· weakness
HAPE can cause death if it is not treated quickly, either by descending to a lower altitude or by using oxygen.
CausesAltitude sickness is most common at elevations above 8,000 feet. Between 8,000 and 18,000 feet, 20% of hikers, skiers, and adventurers experience altitude sickness; this number rises to 50% above 18,000 feet. If your body doesn’t acclimate to high elevations, you may experience altitude sickness. As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and less oxygen-saturated.
Altitude sickness can manifest as any of the following symptoms, which can appear suddenly or gradually:
· fatigue
· insomnia
· headache
· nausea
· vomiting
· rapid heart rate
breathlessness, whether from exertion or not
More serious symptoms include:
a change in the color of the skin (to blue, gray, or pale)
· confusion
· coughing
· coughing up bloody mucus
· chest tightness
· decreased consciousness
inability to move straight ahead
breathing difficulty at rest
Risk factorsYour risk is low if you gradually increase your altitude, have never experienced an episode of altitude sickness, and take longer than two days to ascend 8,200 to 9,800 feet.
You run a higher risk of getting altitude sickness if you’ve previously experienced it, ascend quickly, or gain more than 1,600 feet per day.
ComplicationsAltitude sickness can lead to the following complications.
Fluid in the lungs, or pulmonary edema
· brain swelling
· coma
· death
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
There are many effective medicines available in homoeopathy for treating altitude sickness, but the choice depends on the patient’s individuality, taking their mental and physical health into account
COCCA Q—Cocca, also known as mountaineer’s remedy, is regarded as one of the best treatments for altitude sickness, which manifests as palpitations, breathlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
CARBO VEGETABILIS 30Carbo veg is another effective treatment for air hunger and altitude sickness. These symptoms include a glassy, distended abdomen as well as a desire to be fanned and a feeling of weight in the head, eyes, or other areas of the body.
ARSENICUM ALBUM 30The best medication for altitude sickness is arsenic alb. Patients who suffer from this condition are usually extremely chilly, restless, anxious, and fearful of dying. They also have a great thirst and need to drink water frequently and intermittently. They also crave company, warmth, and assurance.
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