16:19, May 06, 2009

As tourism in Tibet enters the peak season, more and more visitors are longing to travel to the mysterious highland. Meanwhile, they are worried about the altitude sickness. Experts advised that tourists to Tibet should have a scientific and better understanding of the disease.

Causes:
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans, caused by acute exposure to low air pressure (usually outdoors at high altitudes). It usually occurs 3,000 meters above sea level. Cold, high fever and extreme fatigue all could lead to altitude sickness.
The rates of acute altitude sickness 3,000 m, 3,700 m, 3,900 m and 4,520 m above sea level are 40 percent, 57.3 percent, 63.8 percent, 89.24 percent and 100 percent, according to a survey.
However, experts point out that human bodies have a very magic capability of acclimation. In China, as breakthroughs have been made in the causes and treatment of altitude sickness, the cure rate of the two most common acute altitude sickness -- high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) -- have reached 99 percent. Therefore, altitude sickness is not that scary.

Altitude sickness is divided into acute and chronic altitude sickness according to the length of the time a person stays on highlands.
Acute altitude sickness refers to the illness that happens on the spot or within the following days after the person arrives on a highland or goes to areas with a higher altitude. The symptoms include low-oxygen symptoms like ache, dizziness, palpitations, lack of strength, nausea and vomiting.
Clinical symptoms include acute altitude reaction, acute high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. HAPE and HACE can exist simultaneously.
Acute altitude reaction usually occurs within hours or days after a person goes up to a highland above 3,000 meters above sea level from a region with a lower altitude. The symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, lack of strength and appetite, sleeping problems, peripheral edema and oliguria. The symptoms can be reduced or gone after a person takes a rest or receives proper treatment.
Prevention:
To prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness, visitors should have a proper rest and avoid strenuous activities days before they go to Tibet. After getting off the plane, they should try not to carry heavy things or run and avoid outdoor activities.
Nifedipinum, Nuodikang Capsule and Suoluomabao Capsule (also known as Hongjingtian Capsule) may help some people prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness when they are taken three days before people arrive in a highland.
Visitors with a severe cold, a high fever, acute or chronic pulmonary diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases and long pregnant women and kids under three years old should avoid traveling to regions with a high altitude.
Treatment:
Proper rest and taking in oxygen can both help relieve altitude sickness. If a patient does not show any sign of improvements after three to four hours, he/she should go to a hospital for treatment.  Source:Xinhuanet