High altitude sickness

Understanding altitude sickness

Altitude sickness—also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude illness, hypobaropathy, — is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. It commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet). It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover".

It is hard to determine who will be affected by altitude-sickness, as there are no specific factors that compare with this susceptibility to altitude sickness. However, most people can climb up to 2,400 meters (8,000 ft) normally.

Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which are potentially fatal.

Chronic mountain sickness, also known as Monge's disease, is a different condition that only occurs after very prolonged exposure to high altitude.

Causes

The causes of altitude sickness are not fully understood. The percentage of oxygen in air, at 21%, remains almost unchanged up to 70,000 feet (21,000 m). The RMS velocities of diatomic nitrogen and oxygen are very similar and thus no change occurs in the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen. However, it is the air pressure itself, the number of molecules (of both oxygen and nitrogen) per given volume, which drops as altitude increases. Consequently, the available amount of oxygen to sustain mental and physical alertness decreases above 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Dehydration due to the higher rate of water vapor lost from the lungs at higher altitudes may contribute to the symptoms of altitude sickness.

The rate of ascent, altitude attained, amount of physical activity at high altitude, as well as individual susceptibility, are contributing factors to the onset and severity of high-altitude illness.

Altitude sickness usually occurs following a rapid ascent and can usually be prevented by ascending slowly. In most of these cases, the symptoms are temporary and usually abate as altitude acclimatisation occurs. However, in extreme cases, altitude sickness can be fatal.

Primary symptoms

Headaches are the primary symptom used to diagnose altitude sickness, although a headache is also a symptom of dehydration. A headache occurring at an altitude above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet = 76 kPa), combined with any one or more of the following symptoms, may indicate altitude sickness:

·         Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting

·         Fatigue or weakness

·         Dizziness or light-headedness

·         Insomnia

·         Pins and needles

·         Shortness of breath upon exertion

·         Nosebleed

·         Persistent rapid pulse

·         Drowsiness

·         General malaise

·         Peripheral oedema (swelling of hands, feet, and face).

·         Diarrhea

Severe symptoms

Symptoms that may indicate life-threatening altitude sickness include:

Pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs):

·         Symptoms similar to bronchitis

·         Persistent dry cough

·         Fever

·         Shortness of breath even when resting

·         Cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain):

·         Headache that does not respond to analgesics

·         Unsteady gait

·         Gradual loss of consciousness

·         Increased nausea

Mountain Biking in Himalayas!

Riding with the Himalayan breeze!!!

Mountain biking, as the name strikes mind, one get thrilled with its thought . In recent years we received and met numerous adventure lovers. This is the only reason why, this small colonial town based in the lap of Himalayas, has successfully hosted two successive events covering hundred of kilometers of mountainous terrains. As this sport requires rough terrains, so foothills of Himalayas becomes a perfect base for mountain biking. The breeze filtered through the sweet smelling pines invites anyone who enjoys nature.

In addition to these episodes, we, team of my nature lover friends this month on 13th May rode from Shimla through some stunning landscapes, meadows and streams to reach a small hamlet at the base of river Satluj. Though the start of the event was bit late but after a some short intervals we started biking from Shimla to Mashobra (15km), a small village, and we were ready to storm down into a lush green valley.

At an altitude of 2130mts Mahasu ridge bifurcates further into two, thus creating Mashobra and Shimla ridges. Mashobra, admired by artists, writers and thinkers, is a small village overlooking Himalayas. After safety briefing by our senior member (Coco Bhai), we suddenly disappeared down into the valley. Through a stunningly beautiful oak and coniferous forest cover, which sometimes blinked with the snow capped panorama of Himalayan ranges, we stopped a small circular meadow.

The old Cedar cover now gave way to sweet smelling pines and number of deciduous trees. The team was astonished with the views of adjoining valleys dotted with small villages practicing traditional step farming. The team members now geared and after 45 minutes we were on the flat part of the section which kept us working for another 30 minutes. And soon the mighty Satluj River became visible and day slowly turned into a golden dusk shining on the golden shores of Satluj. As we all reached our finish point, the small village of Tattapani was ready to to host us at the bank of river Satluj. A dip into the hot sulphur baths right at the river bank refreshed us again. After a delicious dinner at at a small cafe we all drove back to Shimla with adventurous memories of the ride.

Some photos of the ride.

Explore Himalayas but be sure about your saftey

The Basic Hiking and Camping Skills in Himalayas

Going hiking in the Himalayas is one of the best ways, to experience the thin air and rediscover nature. But trekking the forest or going off the beaten track is not for the faint hearted. If you are new to this, it’s best to be guided by the pros. Just in case, here are a few answers to the queries you might be questioning yourself before a full day hike or a multi-day trek in Himalayas.

Get in shape.

Go green over the ridge, trekking Himalayas is no joke. Most of the time it does take its toll and your body has to be prepared for it. Get regular exercise before hand. Work the treadmill and even practice walking with a backpack on. Getting your body in the right condition is the one of the most important skill. In Himalayas most of the time one might long for sufficient oxygen to his/her lungs unless he is physically and mentally prepared for it. Here nature offers uneven and narrow village trails or sometime a never ending steep ascent. There is no point knowing what to do in your destination if you don’t get there due to exhaustion. Always get well aclmitized before trying anything above 3500 mts. in Himalayas!

Choosing your campsite.

Incase of a multi-day trek one of the most important task at the end of the walk is of choosing a campsite. A campsite in the mountains should be preferably chosen with great care. A place with least winds, not under a glacier incase of high altitude trekking. Mostly grassy meadows are best along with even surfaces with minimum gravel. The grounds of the tents should drains well when it rains. This will give you a nice sturdy ground to sleep or walk around on. Feel free to test the place to. Watch out for nearby danger such as rock piles or tree debris as well as possible flash flood areas. If you're not up for that entire checklist, you can always find an established campsite instead. But where's the adventure in that?

Bug off.

Especially in the Trans-Himalayan regions of Himacahl Pradesh, close to the border of Tibet, do not worry about mosquito or bugs, you will not find them. Clothing is your first defense against the sunburns in the Himalayas. Wear comfortable long sleeves and a hat in light colors. Always wear good sunglasses and a Keep a handy insect repellant lotion and use it sparingly. Try not to loiter around wet grassy meadows where mosquitoes tend to breed. On the campsite, you can always use Citronella candles to make it your safe haven.

River Crossing.

When it comes to crossing bodies of water, whether it’s a small stream, a river, or a recent rainstorm flooding, always take extra precaution. The first thing to do is to find another way around them, especially if they look too dangerous. Wear sandals with tight tied straps as much possible while crossing river. If you don’t have them, remove your socks and the boots will do. Never cross barefoot. There's more chance of slipping on the rocks this way. You should be okay with a hiking stick when crossing ankle deep waters. When it comes to melted snow, cross in the morning when the waters had the chance to freeze again the night before.

Watch out for bridges or stones covered with algae, they can be quite slippery and dangerous. Also take time to unbuckle your waist belt to give you enough time to remove your backpack at the wrong moment. When crossing with a rope across a river, don’t tie yourself to it, the current may hold you down. Instead just hold on to them tightly.

Use your hiking stick wisely.

Other than to help you on the road, there is more to having a hiking stick handy. As mentioned before, you can use hiking sticks to help you cross rivers and bodies of water. Also, hiking sticks help increase momentum on uphill climbs and can be pretty useful for when you are treading along large boulders. As a defense when you are walking, use your hiking stick to beat a few nearby bushes and check for snakes. This can also be helpful when scaring off aggressive dogs that come along your way.

Kalpa, the land of Shiva.

This is an example of mix of Pahari (from mountains) and Buddhist architecture in the countryside temples in the villages more north from Shimla ito Kinnaur and Spiti valleys. This particular shot has been taken from Kalpa, the favourite retreat of Lord Curson, one of the Viceroy of British India. He wanted to make Kalpa the next summer capital of British India.

In the backdrops one can see the famous Kinner Kailash Range, according to Hindu legend it is believed to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva, the elevation of Kinner Kailashis 6050mts. With the better transport & lodging facilities, Kalpa has became a favourite destination of adventure lovers. The famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama, a strenuous trek starts from Kalpa only.