Treat altitude sickness

The first priority is to prevent climbers from getting altitude sickness, but at Easy Travel we are totally realistic: some climbers will inevitably suffer symptoms. The first such symptom is often a headache. If this is accompanied by other symptoms, then this could mean that you have altitude sickness. In severe cases, this may result in a need for medical attention.

It is very important that any symptoms are identified early, and our mountain crew members are constantly monitoring all of our climbers for the tell-tale signs of altitude sickness.. It is also vital that all climbers are 100% open and honest with the mountain crew members. Ignoring symptoms, or being less then truthful about how you feel, could be dangerous – even fatal.

The ‘treatment’ for mild cases of altitude sickness is both obvious and straightforward. Quite simply, the affected climber must be accompanied down to a lower altitude without delay. If the symptoms are more severe, then the climber will be taken down to an altitude of less than 1300 meters (4000 feet).

Different measures are required in more severe cases. If you are identified as suffering from high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), then it is possible that you will need dexamethasone, which is a steroid. If you have high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), you will need to be administered with supplemental oxygen. There is a chance that you will need medication and you will certainly need to see a doctor, maybe even having to be admitted to hospital.