Suggest Tips To Avoid Acute Mountain Sickness While Travelling In High Altitude

Posted on Wed, 10 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 10 Aug 2016 Answered on

Tue, 6 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : iam from XXXXXXX and iam going to visit leh ladhak via manali- it will be a journey in high altitude belt, that is 2000 mtrs and high upto 5000 mtrs, so require you expert opinion wehter i should start with any specific medicines (precautionary) with dose and duration.
Please suggest any preventive tips to avoid acute mountain sickness.
Should we carry portable oxygen cylinder.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need for extra oxygen.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are young, no need to take extra oxygen with you.
Some people take diamox (acetazolamide) one day prior to journey and continue till you are in leh.
But it is not compulsory.
It is mostly for old age (age more than 50 years) and having heart disease.
So for you, diamox is not needed.
Other important things
1. Don't drink too much water in leh. Less than 1.5 liters /day is advised.
2. Don't drink alcohol at high altitude. Also don't smoke.
3. Avoid too much oily and spicy food. Don't take large meals, instead take frequent small meals.
Don't worry, you will enjoy leh trip.
4. And spend 1st day in leh for acclimatization. So take proper rest on 1st day in leh.
If you follow all these, I don't think you will find any problem like acute mountain sickness.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (15 hours later)

Dear Dr. Thanks for the your expert opinion.

Can you suggest basic management if anyone experienced Acute mountain sickness.
We have 2 doctors in our team. So your suggestion to those drs will be helpful.

Thanking you.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Best treatment is DESCENT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Best treatment for acute mountain sickness is DESCENT.
If any of you develop acute mountain sickness then first of all think og descent (going to lower altitude).
Supplemental oxygen is the second thing you should do.
If still symptoms persist then immediately admit in near by hospital.
Best thing to prevent acute mountain sickness is slow ascent and give yourself time for acclimatization.
Hope I have solved your query.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar