Any destination over 3500 metres.

What is altitude illness?

Our altitude sickness tablets treat altitude sickness which is caused when a person fails to acclimatise properly and therefore does not receive enough oxygen.  Although at altitude there is the same amount of Oxygen in the air, the oxygen pressure in the air drops (thin air) and therefore the lungs are unable to take on as much oxygen as the body requires functioning normally. The body undergoes many processes to help cope with this change. At first the body will hyperventilate to try and gain more Oxygen, this in turn increases CO2 in the blood. Carbonic Anhydrase converts the CO2 to bicarbonate making the blood acidic. Acidotic blood causes breathing apnoea causing a reduction in extra oxygen intake. The reduction in oxygen intake then stimulates breathing. (Diamox can help in preventing the carbonic Anhydrase working, therefore preventing acidosis of the blood and keeping breathing stimulated without undergoing the apnoea).  The body also has an increased cardiac output and an increase of haemoglobin to help transport oxygen.

Types of altitude illness:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – most common, affecting approx. 65% travellers.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) – if AMS is left to progress, 10% may develop this life-threatening illness.
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) – not necessarily preceded by AMS. Life threatening.

Symptoms

AMS – Headache plus one or more of following: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, sleep disturbance, shortness of breath, dizziness. Normally occurs 6-10 hours after ascent. Usually benign and self-limiting and if further ascent is delayed it tends to resolve in 1-3 days.

• HACE – As AMS plus lethargy, confusion and ataxia. Usually occurs at least 2 days after ascent,
• HAPE – As HACE plus shortness of breath with exertion, and a dry cough, progressing to shortness of breath at rest. The cough may become productive with blood-stained sputum. Usually occurs at least 2 days after ascent

Prevention

Be aware of the symptoms of altitude, Acclimatise slowly.  Allow rest days every 3 days. Never sleep more than 300 metres higher than previous night and/or in the presence of symptoms of AMS. Drink lots of fluids and minimise exertion. ALWAYS attempt  to descend if symptoms of altitude illness worsen at an altitude or if symptoms are severe. Consider Diamox as this will assist in acclimatisation. If you experienced AMS on a previous trip to high altitude it is more likely it will happen on any subsequent visits. If you have visited high altitude previously and did not suffer AMS it does not mean you won’t on subsequent visits.

Treatment

Insurance – The planned maximum altitude should be disclosed and emergency evacuation by helicopter included within the policy.

AMS – If experiencing symptoms – REST. Most will disappear after 1-2 days. Take analgesia for headaches, consider anti emetics for nausea.  If symptoms worsen descend immediately at least 500-1000m.

HACE/HAPE – Descend immediately. Give Oxygen, Nifedipine and Dexamethasone for HAPE. Dexamethasone for HACE.

Service details

Price: Small charge

Frequency: When required…

Availability

Select your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and enquire about this service or just pop in when it suits you.