Don’t ignore altitude sickness symptoms during the Everest Base Camp trek; be prepared for altitude sickness on the trail to the highest base camp. I have been to Everest 100s of times since 2012, and now I work as a trek consultant and make trek itineraries according to circumferences, depending on body fitness and mental preparation.
Our company wants to serve differently to ensure your safety and other factors while you’re trekking. Getting back to our topic:
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is a broad term with various conditions related to physical changes at higher elevations. It includes AMS and more severe altitude illnesses like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
What is Acute Mountain Sickness?
Acute Mountain Sickness is a type of Altitude sickness that happens when oxygen and air pressure are low at higher altitudes. It also depends on your body’s ability to acclimate, so it can happen to anyone above 2400m/800ft.
I have trekked to Annapurna, Everest, and other regions of Nepal, and it can still happen when I am not physically or mentally fit. The best and most frequently used way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend gradually and rest at some point before ascending to a higher altitude.
You can see in our Everest trekking itinerary that we have two acclimation days: Day 3 at Namche Bazaar (How to Reach Namche Bazaar from Kathmandu?) and Day 6 at Dingboche, where we can rest or take a short hike in the surrounding area.
The sea level pressure is 760mmHG. At Everest Base Camp, the barometric pressure is 53 kPa (401 mmHg), about 52% of sea-level pressure. This means there is significantly less oxygen in the air at Everest Base Camp.
Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
Don't ignore altitude sickness symptoms during the Everest Base Camp trek; be prepared for altitude sickness on the trail to the highest…
What is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema?
HAPE, or high-altitude pulmonary edema, is more critical than Acute Mountain Sickness. It usually happens because of sudden temperature changes, dehydration, and poor nutrition. The illness causes the blood vessels in the lungs to constrict, increasing pressure.
Symptoms include blue lips, cough, fatigue, and breathlessness. You can read more complex terms here. It happens only in rare cases, so there’s no need to worry.
What is High Altitude Cerebral Edema?
It is the most critical altitude sickness. It is also rare and occurs in the Everest region. The illness is caused by leaky capillaries in the brain, which causes fluid accumulation and swelling. For More Information
6 Preparation Steps For Altitude Sickness During Everest Base Camp Trek
We can take many precautions for altitude sickness while trekking to Everest Base Camp or on an EBC luxury trek. Here are the top 6 preparation steps you should take.
Stay Hydrated: Ginger Tea, Coffee, Honey
There are many benefits: Staying hydrated plays such a role in acclimatization at higher altitudes. A hydrated person can adapt to a lower level of oxygen quickly.
While trekking increases fluid loss through sweating and breathing, staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration, which can negatively affect physical performance, concentration, and well-being.
Ginger Tea – Coffee: Ginger tea has natural anti-nausea properties that can help prevent altitude sickness and nausea. It also helps warm the body and keep you comfortable in cold weather. Having one cup of ginger Tea or coffee daily in the morning helps acclimate properly. Coffee has caffeine, which boosts energy and enhances alertness.
Honey: Honey is a source of simple sugars, primarily glucose and fructose. These natural ingredients provide quick and easily digestible energy. It also contains antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress from physical exertion at higher altitudes. Lastly, honey can soothe the throat and help with the dry, cold mountain air.
Go Wisely & Acclimatize Properly
Gaining altitude too quickly increases the risk of altitude sickness, so it’s better to trek steadily and slowly. Also, coming from different weather and climate, you need to acclimate. It helps you adjust to a new climate. While trekking to Everest Base Camp, you can spend two or three days acclimating to prevent altitude sickness.
Usually, we acclimatize in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, but depending on the trekkers’ well-being and physical and mental preparation, they can have more acclimatization days upon consultation.
Someone who isn’t physically and mentally prepared can also go to Everest Base Camp via an Everest Helicopter Tour from Kathmandu.
No To Cigarettes and Alcohol During Everest Base Camp Trail
Not consuming cigarettes and alcohol during trekking offers many benefits. Our trekking agency also advises not to consume them on your trekking days, and here’s why
At higher elevations on the Everest Base Camp Trail, where oxygen levels are low, your body is already under pressure. Smoking and alcohol can additionally contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular strain and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Also, they harm the acclimatization process.
They also dehydrate the body, and as you all know, dehydration can worsen conditions at higher elevations. These can also impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and there is a risk of cold injuries such as frostbite.
In summary, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol while trekking helps prioritize health, safety, and acclimatization.
Eat and Sleep Properly
Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins supports overall health. It helps you maintain a balanced diet and provides the energy you need to sustain you on long treks. The usual route is 6-7 hours of hiking every day.
Sleep helps meet the physical demands of trekking. The body must recover from the day’s exertion. It also promotes muscle repair and helps trekkers wake up with a fresh mind and ready for the trek.
Adequate sleep and rest help the body acclimatize properly when gaining elevation. That’s why eating and sleeping properly is so crucial.
Consult With Trekking Guide
Consulting a trekking guide is highly recommended because professional guides are experienced with the Everest Base Camp route. They know the local terrain, weather, flora, fauna, and other challenges trekkers may face.
Not everything you read online is 100% true, but consulting them helps ensure a safe trip to Everest Base Camp. They will suggest a customized itinerary to ensure your safety, provide emergency rescue support, and share wildlife knowledge. They can help arrange documents and accommodation during peak season.
Physical and Mental Preparation
Physical and mental preparation are needed for the standard 14-day Everest Base Camp trek and to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Good physical fitness helps you acclimate by improving oxygen utilization and overall cardiovascular health, helping your body adapt to altitude.
15 Days Everest Base Camp Trek by Road
Don't ignore altitude sickness symptoms during the Everest Base Camp trek; be prepared for altitude sickness on the trail to the highest…
Mental factors included awareness of and monitoring of the symptoms of altitude sickness and fellow trekkers. Early recognition of symptoms helps you take precautions, such as drinking ginger tea or soup, or descending, and can help you recover.
A calm and positive mindset can contribute to overall well-being at altitude. Anxiety and stress can lead to experiencing symptoms through visualization techniques. Being calm and practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, is necessary.
Conclusion:
We shouldn’t be careless while trekking, especially at the highest base camp. Being mentally and physically prepared for trekking will help you overcome most obstacles on the trail. To prepare for altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trail, stay hydrated, ascend wisely, avoid smoking and alcohol, eat and sleep properly, and consult a guide, which can help minimize symptoms while trekking.
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