Best information on this I've found. My husband and I went to Denver, Colorado a couple weeks ago and we're from North Central Kansas. We both had coughs, headaches, tight chest feeling. We drank a bunch of water, went to bed early and felt better the next day for the most part.
That sounds quite scary Shawna. At a relatively low altitude of 5,280 ft, you shouldn't really get altitude sickness. But good you drank water. Hope you can revisit Denver without any symptoms soon. :)
We actually did this past weekend again and felt totally fine! Slight headache but I suffer from chronic migraines and had the start of one way before we left for Denver.
Very very very informative video. Thank you so much Arjun & Swati for sharing such wonderful information. I was searching videos for dosage & timings of taking Diamox and here actually I meant to be. Thanks again Guys.
With my experience I have noticed that we should not be covering the nose and mouth with a scarf inspite of the cold weather at high altitude. The air intake becomes really low and you will start feeling tired and headache after a few minutes. Correct me if I am wrong.
AMS is happening more to Riders than mountaineers. Nowadays people are in a rush to reach the farthest the fastest without knowing it can be fatal. I experienced acute AMS last week at Kaza I am glad I am alive Thank God 🙏👍💐
What you're saying is very true. We see more AMS cases on very casual high altitude trips to Leh and bike rides than trekking, simply cuz of the sheer volume of people on the trek. It's important that even those outside the trekking sphere recognise this
Hey Swathi! I was your junior in NRHS! Great to see your videos, I am going to Chaddar trek in Feb, your vids are tremendously helpful! :) Thank you for this :)
I recall an incident during my college years. We were in Gangtok and had plan to visit Natu La next day. I didn't sleep the whole night and kept on gossiping and playing with my classmates. The next day while on our way to Nathu La I encountered similar symptoms. We had short schedule so it wasn't that much of a problem. At that time I thought it was either due to the oily fatty breakfast or a lack of rest or due to the clothing I wore (inner+fleece+puffer). Idk what it actually was but I guess it was actually AMS. But I now understand the importance of rest.
Thanks good interview. take it slow and always bring a few garlic cloves. dehydration is faster up hence drink whenever your throat starts to feel dry. anytime you start to breath fast, force yourself to breath deep and slow.
This is amazing. I actually am a semi regular Himalayan trekker (one trek in 2 years) and last time I treked to Hampta Pass I had cough. I was having medication for the same. I believe I developed HACE/HAPE. Could it be because of the cough medicines I was taking? The cough and cold got pretty heavy as I gained altitude. Could it have been because of the cough itself? If got really scary. It's the first time something like this has happened to me.
+Aditya Modi Hi Aditya! That sounds a little scary! I think you might have been struck by HAPE. Cough at high altitude should never be ignored. What did you do after that?
+Swathi Chatrapathy I got it on the final summit. while crossing over. my body suddenly gave up its stamina and energy mid trek. and what should have been an easy slope I started slipping. needed a guide. but then I chose to continue. as there was no way out. and the next days were descent. but I kept getting weaker and weaker and finally on the second day after the incident they had to carry me down to the base camp. Literally. Scary. I love trekking but the incident freaked my parents out. iv decided never to go on a trek unhealthy and on medication. I think the cough syrups which anyway make you dizzy and the altitude got me. No Dr here could tell me what exactly happened. blood tests perfectly normal. So I really don't know.
So I'm going to keep my eye out for the next one. Hape and Hace. I haven't commented on any previous videos before. I watch them all. But you'll do a fabulous job! I love this channel!
+Aditya Modi My god! That sounds really bad! I hope you come back with a bang on your next trek! Make sure you take preventive measures though. And thanks for watching the videos! I'm glad they're helping you! :)
Hi Swati, I am from down South ( tamil nadu) planning for tarsar masar trek during the month of August 2019. Is it okay to do the high altitude trek as my climate is entirely very different. Please advise. Thanks
Hi Swathi - It is not true that Disprin will help headache for everyone. It does not help my headache at all, even at normal sea level. Where as nimesulide or Brufen would. So - i think you should edit the video somehow saying that Disprin (or any other medicine that usually would help your headache).
Hi! I am going to leh with my friends. Places i am goimg to visit will include altitude ranging from by10,000(leh) -19000ft(umlingla pass). What precautions can we take before going there as we will reach leh directly from delhi? And how much rest is recommended after we reach their by flight.??
It's best to go on a course of Diamox from Delhi itself. And then continue it (125 mg twice a day) till the end of your trek. Make sure you're well-hydrated and well-rested. Also ensure you spend at least one day and night resting at Leh.
Hii Swati, my Everest Base Camp is scheduled this October. Should I take Diamox after Lukla. Please guide the dosage.And should I continue the tablet throughout the trek.
Hi Dasuya, It’s important to eat healthy when in the high altitude. That helps your body to adjust better to the change in altitude. Consuming garlic on a daily basis can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check. But it may not be effective if consumed only during the trek. Instead, focus on eating healthy, keeping your body hydrated. Avoid heavy foods such as meat, rajma..
very good tips from Mr Mazumdar, thank you Swati. One thing I would like to know about the Himalayan herbs used by Sadhus to beat the high altitudr & cold.
I wish more Nepali people watched your channel. I recently had to give CPR to a Nepali businessman who ascended far to quickly at altitude. Unfortunately he died, that memory will say with me forever.
Sachitra Kundu follow the rules of acclimatisation and you don’t have to be afraid of anything, there’s a video about it on my channel called symptoms of altitude sickness
Hi Swati. Very informative video. I am going to the Roopkund trek on 31st May. I have a problem of migraine and I get motion sickness while travelling in car/bus and we will get to base camp from lohagunj via bus. So it is possible that I might confuse these symptoms with AMS as they are same? Are there any medications/preventions I can take to make my trek smooth?
Hi Priya, I suffer from motion sickness too. But you rarely associate it with AMS because as soon as you get off the car to the base camp, symptoms of motion sickness usually go away. To avoid motion sickness, I usually take half a tablet of Avomine. I also eat light and try to sit in the middle seat and look at the road ahead. The window seats are usually what throw you off balance and make you feel the motion sickness. So try this out on your drive to Lohajung. :)
we are 5 friends 60 plus planning a trek from dhotrey to tumling via tonglu (west bengal)during march end(2018). will spend one day at dhotrey to aclimatise and then start trek from dhotrey to tonglu first day second day tonglu to tumling and return to dhotrey. spend the night and then return to kolkata. your precious guidance thanks
Dear sir, your plan sounds very good. There are lovely forests on this journey. It isn't too difficult, but needs a good amount of preparation. So I hope you can all go for brisk walks at least four days a week before setting off on the trek. You don't really require Diamox on this trek. It climbs slowly to a maximum altitude of 10,000 ft. So you should be safe. Just keep a strip of Diamox with you in your medical kit just in case. If any of you feel any symptoms, you speak to your guide first and then take a Diamox. If you have any specific questions, do feel free to ask. :)
Hii Swathi this is really a Knowledgeable video for the every trekkers,loved it,one thing that my wife have allergies on sulfa based tablets,if during trekking period AMS is happen then what should take instead of Diamox. Kindly reply..
Hi Subhajit, unfortunately, as of now, there is no replacement for this tablet. So I would suggest you do everything you can to keep AMS at bay. This article has a few points that you should note down to keep AMS at bay - indiahikes.com/rules-to-keep-acute-mountain-sickness-at-bay/
Im no doctor but most probably yes because your body is adapted to some degree if you live there higher. But once you go very high this wont matter anymore.
Suppose a situation of some circuit trek ! You are on 4500 M of altitude ! You Got altitude sickeness ! And next day you are going to 5500M and to 3800M on same day ! What to do on next day ? Go down or complete trek by first going up and ending at lower altitude at end of next day ! Its route of Annapurna circuit trek of Nepal ! Crossing Thorang la pass and down to Mukthinath on same day ! Please reply !!
Actually wanted a PDF or a booklet of total First Aid as well as conservation of env and wildlife and not only of HACE/HAPE. Can u pl help me.Swathi's is delivery is far better than other material on UA-cam.
Do I need to take Diamox a day before starting the trekk or take it when there is a need ? It is for Hampta pass trekk which is moderate. I am also planning to stay in Kaza after the trekk. Please suggest
Hi! For the Hampta Pass trek, it's wise to take a preventive course of Diamox. Start a day before travelling to Manali to let the effect kick in. You can stop the course after ending the trek at Shea Goru. At Kaza, you don't need to take it because you would have already acclimatised to a higher altitude, so you should be alright.
Absolutely! Diamox helps acclimatise faster, but doesn't make you immune to the altitude. Alcohol is the worst thing for you at high altitude, especially when you're going up and coming down within a week, without giving your body enough time to acclimatise. On our treks, we strictly prohibit drinking and smoking - with or without Diamox.
Hi Swathi, video is very informative for adults but not talked about children. I am going to Leh-Ladakh on 7th June-2022 from Delhi with my 2 children aged 12 yrs and 10 yrs. The same treatment of Diamox and Dex can be given to my children or some other treatment? I need early reply please to prepare my family for this trip.
Hi Alisha, The treatment is the same in case they exhibit symptoms. Try and detect the symptoms at a very early stage and stick only to Diamox. Save Dex only as an emergency medicine. We wouldn’t recommend going on a preventive course though.
With all respect, please stop advising prescription medication for routine use. Instead it would be better if you would have emphasized on acclimatization rather than taking Diamox. The medicine should not be taken as prophylaxis. Most people eat packed food or ready to eat meals. Diamox causes potassium loss in urine. Drinking water alone may not compensate for the electrolyte loss.
I have two quarries. 1.Is it safe to take both diamox & coca 30,when we are climbing? 2.Dexamethasone should be taken in the form of tablet or Injection(IV or IM).Please specify. Thank you
Hi Sayan, from our experience, Coca is not that effective is relieving symptoms of AMS quickly. You could take it along with Diamox. It shouldn't cause any issues since it is a Homeopathic medicine. As for Dex, please carry tablets only. Don't administer the injection on yourself of anyone without prior training.
Hi Sanjay it is possible to treat AMS with oxygen. But that is a temporary fix. As soon as you remove supplemental oxygen, the oxygen level is likely to go down again. Descent is the best cure for AMS.
Its better to consult a Doctor regarding the condition , and one can also go though the article on our website related to trekking with asthma. indiahikes.com/high-altitude-trekking-asthma/#gref
hi ,thanks for the vid!!! I'm going to bolivia climbingba mountain at 6088mt and I'll spend a good 3 to 4 days at 3600mt before to climb in 2 days from the base camp at 4800mt that we will reach by car. do you think that training at 3600 like running every day will help for any further problem?
Hi there. I would suggest you avoid training at 3600 m. That will stress your body out further. Perhaps you can climb a little everyday to a slightly higher altitude and return to 3600 m and use it as your sleeping altitude. From there on, climb slowly to the highest altitude. If possible, don't gain too much altitude in a single day - keep it between 1,000 and 1,500 ft.
thanks foe the answer , I'll look for other trekking then , as training for altitude . the main problem is that that's the way the tour is organized , the only good point is that I've heard that usually haze and hape appear after 2 days of acute altitude sickness and the trip is within 2 days so even if I 'll fell bad I should be back on time to recover
Hey Swathi, Our 9 year old daughter would be going to the Dodital trek with us in 3 days. Can she be given Diamox as preventive medicine & Dex as remedial? What would be the right disage for her age?
Hi Bhumika, you don't need a preventive course for this trek. As a preventive course, I would only recommend Diamox and not Dex for this particular trek.
Hi Rohit you won't really need Diamox for the Chandrashila trek. Take one only if you feel any symptoms on the trek - which is not likely. Avoid giving the Diamox to your 7 year old also, unless he feels symptoms. Our trek leaders will be able to take care of him. :)
Hi Harikrishnan, the trek will be perfect for beginners. Just make sure both of you work on your fitness for at least a month before the trek. You climb to 14,000 ft (Hemkund Sahib) and that's a big climb. You'll really enjoy it if you're fit!
Hello Sawti! I'm planning to go for the Hampta Pass trek at the end of July. I exercise 4-5 days a week normally. This is my first trek. What are you suggestions, is diamox required? Also, really informative video and really helpful. Keep it up :)
Hi Mega! It's wonderful that you're going to Hampta Pass. But I hope you do know that fitness has not much to do with AMS. But I would recommend going on a preventive course of Diamox. You gain altitude very quickly on this trek. So it's best to be cautious.
You can start at Manali if you're arriving earlier. That should do. Start the morning you arrive, after your meal. Half a tablet twice a day should do.
Hi Himamshu, Triund is a fairly easy trek. Just jog everyday for a month before your trek and you'll do the trek comfortably. You'll need around two-three warm layers depending on the time of the year you're going.
Hi swati. Very informative video. But I have a doubt here. Iam aged 55 and I love trekking but Iam not s regular trekker. and have hypertension .Can I go on a trek to high altitudes like Tungnath and chandrashila
Hi Sri Latha. You can go if you work on your fitness. I trekked with a 75 yr old when I went to Chandrashila. It's absolutely possible, provided you work on your cardio for at least a month in advance.
Yes why not. Its all about stamina. If you have never done treks, start with short treks 3-5 kms. After you build your stamina and experience , start with moderate treks 8-10 kms. Trekking is for everyone as long as you respect the mountains and keep it clean
Definitely wouldn't recommend it. It gets quite cold on top there. It's good to go until Chopta and have someone stay back there with the baby while you go to the temple and return.
Acetazolamide as treatment of AMS is not correct. It neither treats nor prevents AMS, it only accelerates acclimatisation. People taking Acetazolamide do not have reduced incidence of AMS. Actually, once AMS is suspected, Acetazolamide should be avoided.
Hi Shrikant, it depends on his fitness more than his weight. Even a body builder could be a 100 kilos. But he might be fit. If someone is just unfit, I wouldn't recommend going on the trek until they get fit - it isn't worth the risk and it goes against the spirit of trekking.
Hi swathi this is Shrikant thank for u r Reply and suggestion .but i just completed Roopkund trek successfully 11Oct2017 . It was trying but Fun too.........this was my first in Himalaya ..... & i reduce same of Kg also.... SO Really Thank you
What kind of exercise I should do for Valley of flowers and Hemkund sahib trek . Should we take diamox or any kind of tablets a day before trek ?? Please advise.
Hi Ramya, for the Valley of Flowers trek, you don't really need to take Diamox. I would suggest you carry it with you and take it only if you feel any symptoms. Please keep your trek leader informed about any symptoms as well. As for exercises, you should work on your stamina. You can do this by jogging everyday for at least one month before the trek. You will find an exercise regime on this page - indiahikes.com/trek-fitness-workouts-indiahikes/
Honestly, there's no study on this subject for me to give you a definitive answer. After reading up about Bigeminy though, I can tell you one thing -- if the person leads a normal daily life, without any symptoms, then it's okay if he goes on a Himalayan trek. He could try easier treks first and then proceed to tougher ones if he faces no issues. But he must speak to his doctor once and carry any medication that he might be on on the trek.
Unfortunately, wim hof breathing will not treat Acute Mountain Sickness. It is a good practice as a preventive measure - deep breathing is always a good habit at high altitude. But the only cure for AMS is descent. Even supplemental oxygen is temporary!
Swathi Chatrapathy thanks so much for your kind reply. Do you think doing wim hof breathing for say a few months before the hike would reduce the chances of getting AMS? My friend gets mild AMS here in the Sierra but I never have. But recently I added wim hof breathing and meditation to my routine and I feel like it may help avoid AMS but I am not sure. Thanks again for the great content!
Hi Cyrus, it will definitely help to increase your lung capacity, which is what you are eventually doing with wim hof breathing. It will reduce your chances of getting AMS, just like keeping yourself well-hydrated will. But it isn't a fool-proof form of prevention. There is no fool-proof method to prevent AMS apart from gaining altitude very slowly and acclimatising well of course. :) Where will you be trekking to?
I do about 1 week per year in the Sierra Nevada here in California but this year I am headed to the Wind River Range in Wyoming. I have a bucket list item to see the Himalaya, not sure when I will get to see it but I know I will do Wim Hof breathing in preparation before I cross the 6000m line! Thanks again for your kind responses.
Yes you can. I suffer from motion sickness myself and tend to take Avomine during my road journeys. It's okay to take both the tablets at the same time.
I got better point to keep me professional guide on kilimanjaro mountain from your conversations.I would like to get more videos from you because need more professional first aider on UA-cam channel .thanx very much
Register for an Upcoming 2024 Trek with us: shorturl.at/rtwy6
Understood a topic in just 20 mins
That my mbbs didn't taught me
Best information on this I've found. My husband and I went to Denver, Colorado a couple weeks ago and we're from North Central Kansas. We both had coughs, headaches, tight chest feeling. We drank a bunch of water, went to bed early and felt better the next day for the most part.
That sounds quite scary Shawna. At a relatively low altitude of 5,280 ft, you shouldn't really get altitude sickness. But good you drank water. Hope you can revisit Denver without any symptoms soon. :)
We actually did this past weekend again and felt totally fine! Slight headache but I suffer from chronic migraines and had the start of one way before we left for Denver.
What is Disprin?
I have learnt my lesson and now start with half a tablet twice day throughout the trek👍
This is the most informative video about AMS that I have found yet. Thank you so much!
Very very very informative video. Thank you so much Arjun & Swati for sharing such wonderful information. I was searching videos for dosage & timings of taking Diamox and here actually I meant to be. Thanks again Guys.
This is a great interview, I will use all this info for my Kilimanjaro climb. Thanks, guys.
Wow...all the best
With my experience I have noticed that we should not be covering the nose and mouth with a scarf inspite of the cold weather at high altitude. The air intake becomes really low and you will start feeling tired and headache after a few minutes. Correct me if I am wrong.
AMS is happening more to Riders than mountaineers.
Nowadays people are in a rush to reach the farthest the fastest without knowing it can be fatal.
I experienced acute AMS last week at Kaza I am glad I am alive
Thank God 🙏👍💐
What you're saying is very true. We see more AMS cases on very casual high altitude trips to Leh and bike rides than trekking, simply cuz of the sheer volume of people on the trek. It's important that even those outside the trekking sphere recognise this
Hey Swathi! I was your junior in NRHS! Great to see your videos, I am going to Chaddar trek in Feb, your vids are tremendously helpful! :) Thank you for this :)
Hey Sneha! Nice to see you here! I hope you have a good time at Chadar! I'd love to know how it goes! :)
I recall an incident during my college years. We were in Gangtok and had plan to visit Natu La next day. I didn't sleep the whole night and kept on gossiping and playing with my classmates. The next day while on our way to Nathu La I encountered similar symptoms. We had short schedule so it wasn't that much of a problem. At that time I thought it was either due to the oily fatty breakfast or a lack of rest or due to the clothing I wore (inner+fleece+puffer). Idk what it actually was but I guess it was actually AMS. But I now understand the importance of rest.
Thank you swathi for this important information as I m going on kedarkantha trek in winter.And 1 thing you are so pretty😊😊😊
This is the BEST information! Thank you!
Complete channel for trekking. Nice work
Thanks good interview.
take it slow and always bring a few garlic cloves. dehydration is faster up hence drink whenever your throat starts to feel dry.
anytime you start to breath fast, force yourself to breath deep and slow.
This is amazing. I actually am a semi regular Himalayan trekker (one trek in 2 years) and last time I treked to Hampta Pass I had cough. I was having medication for the same. I believe I developed HACE/HAPE. Could it be because of the cough medicines I was taking? The cough and cold got pretty heavy as I gained altitude. Could it have been because of the cough itself? If got really scary. It's the first time something like this has happened to me.
+Aditya Modi Hi Aditya! That sounds a little scary! I think you might have been struck by HAPE. Cough at high altitude should never be ignored. What did you do after that?
+Swathi Chatrapathy I got it on the final summit. while crossing over. my body suddenly gave up its stamina and energy mid trek. and what should have been an easy slope I started slipping. needed a guide. but then I chose to continue. as there was no way out. and the next days were descent. but I kept getting weaker and weaker and finally on the second day after the incident they had to carry me down to the base camp. Literally. Scary. I love trekking but the incident freaked my parents out. iv decided never to go on a trek unhealthy and on medication. I think the cough syrups which anyway make you dizzy and the altitude got me.
No Dr here could tell me what exactly happened. blood tests perfectly normal. So I really don't know.
So I'm going to keep my eye out for the next one. Hape and Hace.
I haven't commented on any previous videos before. I watch them all. But you'll do a fabulous job! I love this channel!
+Aditya Modi My god! That sounds really bad! I hope you come back with a bang on your next trek! Make sure you take preventive measures though. And thanks for watching the videos! I'm glad they're helping you! :)
Hi Swati, the video is extremely helpful. Just one suggestion, Please have a doctor along with the expert trekkers too in this kind of videos.
Thank you, very useful video. I am planning to go on trek to Everest Base Camp in December and this information would really help.
Glad it was helpful!
This was very helpful, I do plan to take diamox for my EBC trek in March.
Arjun Majumdar you are a fucking rockstar . Thanks for India hikes .
Super awesome video! Thank you both.
Thank you so much! This is very informative and helpful.
Hi Swati, I am from down South ( tamil nadu) planning for tarsar masar trek during the month of August 2019. Is it okay to do the high altitude trek as my climate is entirely very different. Please advise. Thanks
Thank you. Very informative. Detailed.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing, it's going to be surely very useful for me n children going forward to several hikes we plan to go for.
Hi Swathi - It is not true that Disprin will help headache for everyone. It does not help my headache at all, even at normal sea level. Where as nimesulide or Brufen would. So - i think you should edit the video somehow saying that Disprin (or any other medicine that usually would help your headache).
Hi! I am going to leh with my friends. Places i am goimg to visit will include altitude ranging from by10,000(leh) -19000ft(umlingla pass).
What precautions can we take before going there as we will reach leh directly from delhi? And how much rest is recommended after we reach their by flight.??
It's best to go on a course of Diamox from Delhi itself. And then continue it (125 mg twice a day) till the end of your trek. Make sure you're well-hydrated and well-rested. Also ensure you spend at least one day and night resting at Leh.
Very informative video.. thanks
Hii Swati ! I am planing to go Annapurna , Nepal this Feb 15 . kindly advise regarding high altitude sickness . Also I m asthmatic pt
Life saving tips🥹🥹 the best channel for beginners to learn trekking.
Hii Swati, my Everest Base Camp is scheduled this October. Should I take Diamox after Lukla. Please guide the dosage.And should I continue the tablet throughout the trek.
Hi Swaiti,is garlic good option to prevent accute mountain sickness and what are the good foods to carry in high attitude treks?
Hi Dasuya,
It’s important to eat healthy when in the high altitude. That helps your body to adjust better to the change in altitude. Consuming garlic on a daily basis can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check. But it may not be effective if consumed only during the trek. Instead, focus on eating healthy, keeping your body hydrated. Avoid heavy foods such as meat, rajma..
very good tips from Mr Mazumdar, thank you Swati. One thing I would like to know about the Himalayan herbs used by Sadhus to beat the high altitudr & cold.
I see lot of people used to drink energy drinks like red bull or the prework outs during the treks. Is it a safe option ?
Very Informative! Good job guys :)
I wish more Nepali people watched your channel. I recently had to give CPR to a Nepali businessman who ascended far to quickly at altitude. Unfortunately he died, that memory will say with me forever.
I am going for goachela trek tomorrow its at 5000m , how afraid should i b
Sachitra Kundu follow the rules of acclimatisation and you don’t have to be afraid of anything, there’s a video about it on my channel called symptoms of altitude sickness
Very much helpful. Thanks
Hi Swati. Very informative video. I am going to the Roopkund trek on 31st May. I have a problem of migraine and I get motion sickness while travelling in car/bus and we will get to base camp from lohagunj via bus. So it is possible that I might confuse these symptoms with AMS as they are same? Are there any medications/preventions I can take to make my trek smooth?
Hi Priya, I suffer from motion sickness too. But you rarely associate it with AMS because as soon as you get off the car to the base camp, symptoms of motion sickness usually go away.
To avoid motion sickness, I usually take half a tablet of Avomine. I also eat light and try to sit in the middle seat and look at the road ahead. The window seats are usually what throw you off balance and make you feel the motion sickness. So try this out on your drive to Lohajung. :)
Swathi Chatrapathy Okay Swathi..thanks a lot for responding, that was really helpful 😇
we are 5 friends 60 plus planning a trek from dhotrey to tumling via tonglu (west bengal)during march end(2018). will spend one day at dhotrey to aclimatise and then start trek from dhotrey to tonglu first day second day tonglu to tumling and return to dhotrey. spend the night and then return to kolkata. your precious guidance
thanks
Dear sir, your plan sounds very good. There are lovely forests on this journey. It isn't too difficult, but needs a good amount of preparation. So I hope you can all go for brisk walks at least four days a week before setting off on the trek. You don't really require Diamox on this trek. It climbs slowly to a maximum altitude of 10,000 ft. So you should be safe. Just keep a strip of Diamox with you in your medical kit just in case. If any of you feel any symptoms, you speak to your guide first and then take a Diamox. If you have any specific questions, do feel free to ask. :)
thank you very much . will be in touch. have a good day
Good information 👍
Can we have Saridon or only disprin is good on high altitude.
Hii Swathi this is really a Knowledgeable video for the every trekkers,loved it,one thing that my wife have allergies on sulfa based tablets,if during trekking period AMS is happen then what should take instead of Diamox. Kindly reply..
Hi Subhajit, unfortunately, as of now, there is no replacement for this tablet. So I would suggest you do everything you can to keep AMS at bay. This article has a few points that you should note down to keep AMS at bay - indiahikes.com/rules-to-keep-acute-mountain-sickness-at-bay/
Hi Swathi! I suffer from asthmatic bronchitis. Does it increase my chance of having AMS?
I too and I too would love the answer
Did you find answer ? Does it increase chance of having AMS ?
Hello Swati, can we keep a bottle of ORS solution with us while trekking and take a sip now and then?
plzz reply i live at an altitude of 8000 feet approx in uttarakhand so is there less chance to hit altitude sickness to me than others
Im no doctor but most probably yes because your body is adapted to some degree if you live there higher. But once you go very high this wont matter anymore.
Does carrying oxygen canister help?
Suppose a situation of some circuit trek ! You are on 4500 M of altitude ! You Got altitude sickeness ! And next day you are going to 5500M and to 3800M on same day ! What to do on next day ? Go down or complete trek by first going up and ending at lower altitude at end of next day !
Its route of Annapurna circuit trek of Nepal ! Crossing Thorang la pass and down to Mukthinath on same day !
Please reply !!
What about people who live in very high altitude places? How do they survive at high altitude?
Hi Im going to roopkund trek in october. Do I need to take medicine ?
Actually wanted a PDF or a booklet of total First Aid as well as conservation of env and wildlife and not only of HACE/HAPE. Can u pl help me.Swathi's is delivery is far better than other material on UA-cam.
thanks a lot Swathi and Arjun
Hi Swathi can i take Diamox at preventive care on sar pass trek?.. Plz advise and also how much layers of clothes require for Sar pass trek?
I visited Manali and ladhak I got nose bleeding .. please advise me what I should do for next trip
Going to kardungla and come back leh.
Next day going to pankong and stay overnight. Car tour. Senior citizens. Is it ok?
Is there any medicine without Sulfa if someone is Sulfa drugs allergic?
Do I need to take Diamox a day before starting the trekk or take it when there is a need ? It is for Hampta pass trekk which is moderate. I am also planning to stay in Kaza after the trekk. Please suggest
Hi! For the Hampta Pass trek, it's wise to take a preventive course of Diamox. Start a day before travelling to Manali to let the effect kick in. You can stop the course after ending the trek at Shea Goru. At Kaza, you don't need to take it because you would have already acclimatised to a higher altitude, so you should be alright.
thanks Swati
Helpful video. Is that okey to take sleeping pills in high altitude, If i have sleeping issues?
Does training with high altitude simulator masks help in anyway with High altitude sickness?
Is there a probable altitude like above 7000 / 8000 ft only ams will hit or its unpredictable
I feel nauseous sometimes in hilly roads, is it that i will most probably get ams?
Would taking portable oxygen cans in a trek help me?
Hi, I have seen people sniff camphor as a temporary medication for AMS. Is that just a myth or is it a proven solution for dealing with AMS?
That's a myth. Please don't try anything that has not medically been proven to be helpful.
Hi.. what about the youngsters who are on diamox preventive course and yet drink and smoke in camps. Does this dilute the effect?
Absolutely! Diamox helps acclimatise faster, but doesn't make you immune to the altitude. Alcohol is the worst thing for you at high altitude, especially when you're going up and coming down within a week, without giving your body enough time to acclimatise. On our treks, we strictly prohibit drinking and smoking - with or without Diamox.
Informative video. But too much diamox is a concern.
Hi Swathi, video is very informative for adults but not talked about children. I am going to Leh-Ladakh on 7th June-2022 from Delhi with my 2 children aged 12 yrs and 10 yrs. The same treatment of Diamox and Dex can be given to my children or some other treatment? I need early reply please to prepare my family for this trip.
Hi Alisha,
The treatment is the same in case they exhibit symptoms. Try and detect the symptoms at a very early stage and stick only to Diamox. Save Dex only as an emergency medicine. We wouldn’t recommend going on a preventive course though.
With all respect, please stop advising prescription medication for routine use. Instead it would be better if you would have emphasized on acclimatization rather than taking Diamox. The medicine should not be taken as prophylaxis. Most people eat packed food or ready to eat meals. Diamox causes potassium loss in urine. Drinking water alone may not compensate for the electrolyte loss.
I have two quarries.
1.Is it safe to take both diamox & coca 30,when we are climbing?
2.Dexamethasone should be taken in the form of tablet or Injection(IV or IM).Please specify.
Thank you
Hi Sayan, from our experience, Coca is not that effective is relieving symptoms of AMS quickly. You could take it along with Diamox. It shouldn't cause any issues since it is a Homeopathic medicine.
As for Dex, please carry tablets only. Don't administer the injection on yourself of anyone without prior training.
Swathi Chatrapathy Thanks a lot Mam.
I love ur voice swati... Good voice
very good information for me
Is it possible to treat AMS by inhaling oxygen?
Hi Sanjay it is possible to treat AMS with oxygen. But that is a temporary fix. As soon as you remove supplemental oxygen, the oxygen level is likely to go down again. Descent is the best cure for AMS.
Is it safe to take dimox in periods??
What about medication for kids?
Hi swati !! If a person have nasal Polyps problem....Should he trek or not ?
Its better to consult a Doctor regarding the condition , and one can also go though the article on our website related to trekking with asthma. indiahikes.com/high-altitude-trekking-asthma/#gref
great work guys
I am allergic to sulfa drugs is it safe for me to take diamox
Thank you !
hi ,thanks for the vid!!! I'm going to bolivia climbingba mountain at 6088mt and I'll spend a good 3 to 4 days at 3600mt before to climb in 2 days from the base camp at 4800mt that we will reach by car. do you think that training at 3600 like running every day will help for any further problem?
Hi there. I would suggest you avoid training at 3600 m. That will stress your body out further. Perhaps you can climb a little everyday to a slightly higher altitude and return to 3600 m and use it as your sleeping altitude. From there on, climb slowly to the highest altitude. If possible, don't gain too much altitude in a single day - keep it between 1,000 and 1,500 ft.
thanks foe the answer , I'll look for other trekking then , as training for altitude . the main problem is that that's the way the tour is organized , the only good point is that I've heard that usually haze and hape appear after 2 days of acute altitude sickness and the trip is within 2 days so even if I 'll fell bad I should be back on time to recover
Hey Swathi, Our 9 year old daughter would be going to the Dodital trek with us in 3 days. Can she be given Diamox as preventive medicine & Dex as remedial? What would be the right disage for her age?
Hi Bhumika, you don't need a preventive course for this trek. As a preventive course, I would only recommend Diamox and not Dex for this particular trek.
Hi - Can children aged 7 years take Diamox. Planning Chandrashila with my son??
Hi Rohit you won't really need Diamox for the Chandrashila trek. Take one only if you feel any symptoms on the trek - which is not likely. Avoid giving the Diamox to your 7 year old also, unless he feels symptoms. Our trek leaders will be able to take care of him. :)
So useful. Thank you!
Excellent.Do u have PDF format or booklet on preparation for trek
In terms of AMS, indeed we do. You can find a downloadable PDF here - indiahikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/AMS-MANUAL_web-2.pdf
Hope this helps!
Thanks. Helped me.
Me nd my family were going to leh...all members are above 18...can we take diamox tablet if we see some symptoms of AMS??
Hi Harshdeep, that should be fine. Do take Diamox along with you. Make sure none of you are allergic to sulphides.
Indiahikes symptoms of sulphide allergy..??
Hai me and wife planning for valley of flowers trek.is the trek will be okay for beginners?
Hi Harikrishnan, the trek will be perfect for beginners. Just make sure both of you work on your fitness for at least a month before the trek. You climb to 14,000 ft (Hemkund Sahib) and that's a big climb. You'll really enjoy it if you're fit!
Hello Sawti! I'm planning to go for the Hampta Pass trek at the end of July. I exercise 4-5 days a week normally. This is my first trek. What are you suggestions, is diamox required?
Also, really informative video and really helpful. Keep it up :)
Hi Mega! It's wonderful that you're going to Hampta Pass. But I hope you do know that fitness has not much to do with AMS. But I would recommend going on a preventive course of Diamox. You gain altitude very quickly on this trek. So it's best to be cautious.
Swathi Chatrapathy I'm planning to arrive @ Manali a day before the trek starts. So do I start the course at Manali or Delhi? Thanks for replying.
You can start at Manali if you're arriving earlier. That should do. Start the morning you arrive, after your meal. Half a tablet twice a day should do.
Swathi Chatrapathy Alright! Thanks a ton for all the advice :D
Until
hey swathi, how m i can prepare for triund trek?? what type of clothes i'll need there?
Hi Himamshu, Triund is a fairly easy trek. Just jog everyday for a month before your trek and you'll do the trek comfortably. You'll need around two-three warm layers depending on the time of the year you're going.
I did Triund without any preparation and that was my first trek. It's an easy trek.
Hi swati. Very informative video. But I have a doubt here.
Iam aged 55 and I love trekking but Iam not s regular trekker. and have hypertension .Can I go on a trek to high altitudes like Tungnath and chandrashila
Hi Sri Latha. You can go if you work on your fitness. I trekked with a 75 yr old when I went to Chandrashila. It's absolutely possible, provided you work on your cardio for at least a month in advance.
Thank you Swathi
Hi swati... i m litterally a obase woman. I m 5'3" n 83kg. Is trekking possible for me? Plz rply ...
Yes why not.
Its all about stamina.
If you have never done treks, start with short treks 3-5 kms.
After you build your stamina and experience , start with moderate treks 8-10 kms.
Trekking is for everyone as long as you respect the mountains and keep it clean
Ma'am can_ 8month baby be taken to tungnath temple?
Definitely wouldn't recommend it. It gets quite cold on top there. It's good to go until Chopta and have someone stay back there with the baby while you go to the temple and return.
Acetazolamide as treatment of AMS is not correct. It neither treats nor prevents AMS, it only accelerates acclimatisation. People taking Acetazolamide do not have reduced incidence of AMS. Actually, once AMS is suspected, Acetazolamide should be avoided.
If guy hi is over 100 kg can he do high altitude trek...... Like roopkund.. what precotion he should take
Hi Shrikant, it depends on his fitness more than his weight. Even a body builder could be a 100 kilos. But he might be fit. If someone is just unfit, I wouldn't recommend going on the trek until they get fit - it isn't worth the risk and it goes against the spirit of trekking.
Hi swathi this is Shrikant thank for u r Reply and suggestion .but i just completed Roopkund trek successfully 11Oct2017 . It was trying but Fun too.........this was my first in Himalaya ..... & i reduce same of Kg also.... SO Really Thank you
What kind of exercise I should do for Valley of flowers and Hemkund sahib trek . Should we take diamox or any kind of tablets a day before trek ?? Please advise.
Hi Ramya, for the Valley of Flowers trek, you don't really need to take Diamox. I would suggest you carry it with you and take it only if you feel any symptoms. Please keep your trek leader informed about any symptoms as well.
As for exercises, you should work on your stamina. You can do this by jogging everyday for at least one month before the trek. You will find an exercise regime on this page - indiahikes.com/trek-fitness-workouts-indiahikes/
Does the Bigeminy PVC patients prone to get AMS ?
Honestly, there's no study on this subject for me to give you a definitive answer. After reading up about Bigeminy though, I can tell you one thing -- if the person leads a normal daily life, without any symptoms, then it's okay if he goes on a Himalayan trek. He could try easier treks first and then proceed to tougher ones if he faces no issues.
But he must speak to his doctor once and carry any medication that he might be on on the trek.
Thank you so much
Descend 500 meters, at least.
You will see the sign of recovery from AMS.
Keep descending ...
What about wim hof breathing to treat acute altitude sickness?
Unfortunately, wim hof breathing will not treat Acute Mountain Sickness. It is a good practice as a preventive measure - deep breathing is always a good habit at high altitude. But the only cure for AMS is descent. Even supplemental oxygen is temporary!
Swathi Chatrapathy thanks so much for your kind reply. Do you think doing wim hof breathing for say a few months before the hike would reduce the chances of getting AMS? My friend gets mild AMS here in the Sierra but I never have. But recently I added wim hof breathing and meditation to my routine and I feel like it may help avoid AMS but I am not sure. Thanks again for the great content!
Hi Cyrus, it will definitely help to increase your lung capacity, which is what you are eventually doing with wim hof breathing. It will reduce your chances of getting AMS, just like keeping yourself well-hydrated will. But it isn't a fool-proof form of prevention. There is no fool-proof method to prevent AMS apart from gaining altitude very slowly and acclimatising well of course. :) Where will you be trekking to?
I do about 1 week per year in the Sierra Nevada here in California but this year I am headed to the Wind River Range in Wyoming. I have a bucket list item to see the Himalaya, not sure when I will get to see it but I know I will do Wim Hof breathing in preparation before I cross the 6000m line! Thanks again for your kind responses.
Recently I got AMS on a trek @14000ft
I tried the Wimhoff Hoff method .
It gave me temporary relief and was able to decent .
Can we take diamox with Avomine.
Yes you can. I suffer from motion sickness myself and tend to take Avomine during my road journeys. It's okay to take both the tablets at the same time.
I was reading your website today
I got better point to keep me professional guide on kilimanjaro mountain from your conversations.I would like to get more videos from you because need more professional first aider on UA-cam channel .thanx very much
Informative.