Everest Base Camp Trek Altitude Sickness

 

Overview 

You know that altitude sickness is the number one reason why people fail to get to the Everest Base Camp Trek. In fact, more people are stopped by it than bad weather and sore legs combined. It is a physical reaction to going too high too fast, and it should not be mistaken for fitness. Even top athletes get it. A lot of hikers with a lot of experience to their credit have had it too. Knowing about it before you leave could be one of the major things for your safety.

Everest Base Camp

Why It Happens 

As you go up higher, the air pressure decreases. This means your lungs will get fewer oxygen molecules in each breath. At the Base Camp (5,364 m), your body is operating with about half of the oxygen it receives at sea level. Your body can make changes, but it takes time. If you go up faster than your body can make its changes, then your blood oxygen will decrease, fluid can accumulate in the lungs or brain, and you will begin to experience some of the effects. At the same time, on this trekking path, travelers are usually put on a plane from Kathmandu to Lukla, a 35-minute flight during which one climbs almost 1,500 meters in altitude. That is the first challenge that you get here.

Symptoms to Watch 

If left unaddressed, early signs can lead to severe issues. Being aware of them and able to recognize them, even in your fellow trekkers, can be a lifesaver, literally. The first symptoms that you can expect or suspect would be a headache that goes thump, thump (a lot of people wake up with a headache, which is the time when it is worse); feeling sick to your stomach; getting very tired and no amount of sleeping is able to uplift you; becoming a bit giddy; losing interest in food; and having a hard time falling asleep.

However, if you do not get a reduction, your headache will continue to get worse, regardless of rest. Also, staring blankly is a sign of sickness. A cough accompanied by gurgling sounds is another indication of illness. And, of course, breathlessness that you can experience at rest is a severe symptom of altitude sickness.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Three Types of Altitude Sickness 

AMS, or acute mountain sickness, is the most common type. The main symptoms are headache, nausea, and tiredness. Usually, changing your plan, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids are enough. In fact, a descent of only 300 to 500 meters can bring fast relief.

HAPE occurs when fluid builds up in the lungs. During trekking, a person's breathing becomes very difficult at rest, and they develop a cough with foamy mucus. It is fatal and requires going down the mountain and getting oxygen immediately. 

HACE is the buildup of fluid in the brain. It is characterized by severe headache, disorientation, and unsteadiness when walking. No time should be lost in an emergency descent. HACE and HAPE both have the potential to be very serious and may arise very fast if a person with AMS ignores their symptoms. Help is to be sought immediately with such symptoms.

Most Important Risk Factors 

The huge mistake is rushing to a higher altitude on the Everest trek, the most significant risk. Besides, above 3,000 meters, the gain in sleeping altitude should stay within 300 to 500 meters per day.

Not drinking enough water is a factor in symptom severity, and therefore, a daily intake of 3 to 4 liters is recommended. Besides that, sleeping pills and alcohol should be avoided during the first week, as these two are the main perpetrators of breathing suppression at night and a decrease in blood oxygen levels during sleep.

Being highly physically fit does NOT give you protection. That is actually why sometimes fit trekkers miss the warning signs, using the excuse that the symptoms are just normal tiredness, thereby pushing on. Here is what you can do if you want to stay safe:

How to Prevent It

Take a program that already has days for acclimatization. — Go at a slow pace. — Eat properly even if it’s not the case that you’re hungry. — Always be well hydrated. — Decide about taking a medicine called Diamox (acetazolamide) with your doctor. This drug helps your body absorb oxygen and is usually administered via this route. — Do not try it for the first time on the trail.

Critical Acclimatization Stops

Namche Bazaar (3,440 m), the gateway to the Everest region, usually sees the trekkers spending two nights here or more. On your rest day, you can go for a hike to an altitude of 3,880 meters or so and then come back down to sleep at a lower altitude. This “climb high, sleep low” technique is undoubtedly one of the most efficient acclimatization methods. 

Dingboche (4,410 m): Here, you take another rest day. The plan for the day includes one more short excursion, after which you go back to sleep at a lower level. Your body will have reached a fairly high level of acclimatization by the time you leave.

Carrying a pulse oximeter can be a good way to monitor your oxygen saturation levels regularly. As long as your readings are above 90%, you should be okay. If your level falls below 80% while resting, it usually indicates a problem. 

What to Do If It Hits You

Your first reaction to high-altitude sickness should be to stop all upward movement immediately. Take a 24-hour break, stay hydrated, enjoy light meals, and avoid any activity. If symptoms either do not improve or worsen, descend immediately; even a small decrease in altitude can lead to quick help. Inform your guide. Many hikers prefer to remain silent to avoid delaying the group. This is a very dangerous error. Your guide won’t be able to help if they are not aware of the situation.

Medical support on the trail

The Himalayan Rescue Association operates a clinic in Pheriche (4,240 m) during the trekking season. There are also health posts in Namche and at other major stops. Helicopter evacuation is possible; however, it is costly. Besides, travel insurance with high-altitude helicopter evacuation coverage is highly recommended up to 5,000 meters. So, read the fine print of your policy very carefully before departure.

Last Word

Not necessarily are the fittest the trekkers who arrive at Everest Base Camp safely. Most probably, they are the ones who go slowly, pay attention to their body signals, and do not let their pride push them beyond genuine warning signs. Indeed, the mountain rewards patience much more than speed.