High Altitude Medicine
In 1991 some doctors interested in mountain medicine saw a young, fit climber die on the Mera La. The doctor with him knew little about the risks of severe altitude mountain sickness. The tragedy inspired the doctors to study altitude illness and share this information with others.
Since the early 1990s members of Medical Expeditions have, along with others, been busy studying mountain medicine. They have done their best to improve the knowledge of doctors responsible for, or advising, people travelling at altitude.
This section looks at the effects that travelling at altitude can have on your body and aims to help you to understand why you may not feel well or get ill. It suggests ways to avoid illness and suggests what you should do if you get an altitude related illness. Our own experiences and real cases have been used as examples. The deaths on the Mera La were caused by going to high altitude, but both could have been avoided had simple rules been followed.
The following is a brief look at the fascinating study of High Altitude Medicine. This information is only meant as a rough guide to help you prepare for and have a safe, fun amd exciting trip in the Himalayas.
- Introduction
- Pre-Existing Conditions
- Acclimitization
- Effects of Altitude
- Accute Mountain Sickness
- Cereberal Oedema (HACE)
- Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)