What are the ways to prevent altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness? How do I protect myself from symptoms of altitude sickness? How do I avoid shortness of breath at heights?
The best way to reduce the possibility of altitude sickness or altitude sickness is to acclimate. That is, give your body enough time to adjust and let it slowly get used to the changes in air pressure while traveling to higher altitudes.
You have to climb to the top gradually. Going slowly helps the lungs take in more air through deeper breathing, and allows more red blood cells to carry oxygen to different parts of the body, which protects you from many of the symptoms of altitude sickness .
Some tips and basics for coping with change in pressure and preventing altitude sickness:
- Start your journey at an altitude of less than 10,000 feet. If you must travel or drive to a higher place, stop in a lower area for at least a full day before proceeding to the top. If you are walking
- or hiking or climbing above 10,000 feet, do not climb more than 1,000 feet daily. For every 3,000 feet you climb, rest at least one day before advancing.
- Climb high and sleep low! If you have to climb more than 1,000 feet in a day, make sure you go back to sleep at a lower altitude.
- Drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily and make sure that about 70% of the calories you eat come from carbohydrates.
- Do not use tobacco, alcohol, or any medications, such as sleeping pills.
- Learn how to identify the first symptoms or signs of altitude sickness. Immediately move to a lower altitude if you begin to experience any of these symptoms.
- Don't let yourself get to the advanced symptoms of altitude sickness which are cerebral edema or pulmonary edema. And if you get any of these symptoms, ask anyone to call the emergency room immediately, to get medical attention as soon as possible.