| Persons
coming into the mountains from low altitudes should be beware
of trying to climb high peaks until they have had a few days
to acclimatize. Many people who go too high too fast suffer
"mountain sickness". The symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea,
and the feeling of being very ill. Pulmonary edema, a major
medical emergency, also can occur above the 9,000 foot level.
The symptoms include extreme fatigue or collapse, shortness
of breath, a racking cough, bubbling noises in the chest, and
bloody sputum. Unless transported to a much lower altitude immediately,
the victim may die within a matter of hours. If available, administer
oxygen. |
The
following chart lists the approximate length of time one should
spend at various altitudes in order to become acclimatized:
 |
Day
1.................0 ft - 7,000 ft. |
|
Day
2.......7,000 ft.-10,000 ft. |
|
Day
3......... 10,000 ft. - 12,000 ft. |
|
Day
4..........12,000 ft. - 14,000 ft. |
There are several other procedures which, if followed, may
also help prevent the "mountain miseries".
|
Arrive
in good physical condition. |
|
Get
plenty of rest and sleep. |
|
Avoid
alcohol and smoking. |
Returning to sea level at the end of a high mountain expedition
presents no adjustment problems. |
