With sightseeing tours of Tibet and other high-altitude scenic destinations in China and Taiwan becoming more popular among Taiwan tourists since the inauguration of a railway system linking Beijing and Lhasa last month, doctors have suggested that tourists who plan to visit mountainous areas should be prepared to recognize and respond to the symptoms of high-altitude sickness.
They said the human body can adjust to changes in altitude but needs time, and that the time needed by each individual varies, and it also varies with each trip.
High altitude syndrome could occur on rapid ascent to altitudes above 2,000 meters. Local statistics show that 40 percent of local people develop this type of syndrome at altitudes of between 2,000 and 3,500 meters.
Lo Chia-lin, a family doctor at the Taiwan Adventist Hospital, said Acute Mountain Sickness is suspected when there are symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and sleep difficulties.
The occurrence of AMS is related to the rate of ascent, the length of time at that particular altitude, the level of exertion and genetic susceptibility, the doctor said. The young and fit are no less vulnerable, and risks will increase if the traveler is exhausted, nervous, dehydrated, exposed to cold, or suffering from respiratory tract infection, Lo said.
Lo said the simplest way to avoid or reduce the symptoms of AMS is to ascend slowly to allow enough time for acclimatization. It is advised that when ascending, travelers should stop to acclimatize for 2 to 3 nights at 2,300 to 3,000 meters, and after reaching 3,000 meters, keep sleeping altitudes at between an additional 300 and 600 meter per day.
As to how to treat high altitude syndrome, Lo suggested that for mild isolated headaches, one should take panadol or aspirin to provide relief. However, she suggested that one should descend immediately, which is the most effective treatment, if symptoms of AMS persist for more than 24 hours.
