Tag: acclimatisation

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly without proper acclimatisation. It is caused by the reduced oxygen levels and lower air pressure at higher elevations as in Ladakh. Altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and can affect anyone, regardless of their age or physical fitness level. Tourists generally remain above 10,000ft when in Leh Ladakh. They even travel through some portions which are higher than 17,000ft. Tourists may have to spend night near Pangong lake and Tsomoriri lake which are 14,000ft and 15,000 ft high respectively. So, they are required to acclimatise properly in Leh before moving to higher regions to avoid health related complications. In Ladakh, many tourists have lost lives in the past due to altitude sickness and many of them took it very lightly and did not acclimatise properly at Leh. Symptoms of altitude sickness can vary but commonly include: Headache: A persistent, throbbing headache is often the first symptom of altitude sickness. Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even with minimal physical exertion. Dizziness and lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady, dizzy, or having a sensation of spinning. Nausea and vomiting: Experiencing an upset stomach, loss of appetite, and sometimes vomiting. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during exertion. Difficulty sleeping: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns are common at high altitudes. If altitude sickness is left untreated or ignored, it can progress to more severe forms, such as high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). HAPE involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to breathlessness, coughing, chest congestion, and a bluish tint to the lips and fingertips. HACE, on the other hand, involves swelling of the brain, resulting in confusion, loss of coordination, seizures, and