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. ...