What is altitude sickness and how can I avoid it?
Altitude illnesses are not directly caused by altitude at all. When you go to higher elevations, the density of the air decreases, so that each breath you take contains a little less oxygen. So the effects your body may feel at altitude are due to you having a little less oxygen in your system. Common symptoms that many people experience are a shortness of breath, just like after exercise, headaches, maybe a loss of appetite and altered sleep patterns, including quite vivid dreams. But our bodies are amazingly adaptable and soon become accustomed to the different levels of oxygen. However, it is very important to give your body time to adjust, and so this is why we gain altitude gradually and stay well hydrated to assist our body with it’s adjustment. The rules for a healthy trek are simple. Gain altitude slowly, drink plenty of water and do not go higher until acclimatized to the place you are at. For comprehensive information on altitude related issues visit high-altitude-medicine.
