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Recently a trekker from Idukki, Kerala, died in Uttarakhand while attempting to scale Garur Peak (Garhwal Himalayas) due to respiratory failure.
High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body cannot acclimatise to high elevations over 8,000 feet. As altitude increases, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease, leading to hypoxia — a shortage of oxygen in the body’s tissues.
Early symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, it can escalate into high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), where fluid collects in the brain. Both conditions require immediate medical intervention, and descent to lower altitudes is often the only way to prevent fatal outcomes.
In the Himalayan regions, beyond major towns, healthcare facilities are limited. This makes it difficult to treat high-altitude sickness effectively. Some areas like Leh in Ladakh have specialized facilities, but many high-altitude places lack similar infrastructure.
Improve Healthcare Facilities |
Establish advanced medical centers in high-altitude regions like Leh with specialized facilities for altitude-related conditions. |
Mandatory Tourist Registration |
Implement a system to monitor tourist movements and collect data for research on high-altitude sickness. |
Preventive Measures |
Conduct health screenings at entry points and provide preventive medications like Acetazolamide for at-risk travelers. |
Promote Gradual Ascent |
Encourage gradual climbs with rest days to facilitate acclimatization. |
Provide Emergency Services |
Equip states with air ambulances, portable hyperbaric chambers, and supplemental oxygen supplies for quick evacuations. |
Public Awareness |
Share health and safety information online and at checkpoints to educate travelers on high-altitude health risks. |
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Mandatory Registration System |
Introduce mandatory registration for tourists visiting high-altitude regions to monitor movement and facilitate rapid response during emergencies. |
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Screening |
Conduct preventive health screenings at entry points for tourists. |
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Health and Safety Information |
Display health and safety information at checkpoints and on government websites to educate tourists on acclimatization and risks. |
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Gradual Ascent |
Promote gradual ascent schedules to allow time for acclimatization and reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). |
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Emergency Response Measures |
Provide supplemental oxygen or portable hyperbaric chambers at major tourist hubs. Encourage deployment of trained paramedics at high-altitude destinations. |
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Research and Development |
Set up research centers to study the effects of high-altitude conditions on human physiology and develop better treatment methods. |
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Air-Ambulance Services |
Equip Himalayan States with air-ambulance services for rapid medical evacuation from remote regions. |
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Infrastructure Development |
Enhance road connectivity to remote regions to ensure timely access to healthcare facilities. |
Reference
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15111-altitude-sickness
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness
https://travelumpire.com/altitude-sickness/
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.High Altitude Sickness (AMS) poses a significant risk to tourists and trekkers in the Himalayan region. Discuss the causes, preventive measures, and the role of government and medical authorities in managing AMS at high-altitude destinations. (150 words) |
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