Altitude Sickness During Trekking In Nepal

Rapid accent to high altitudes often results in the syndrome known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). At elevations between 2500m and 5000m, about 20% to 90% of those who are not adapted to high altitude will experience mild symptoms of AMS. In the Mount Everest region, approximately 50% of trekkers who walk to altitudes above 4000m over five days develop AMS.
Males and females are similarly affected. Anyone regardless of age and fitness venturing to higher altitudes can develop AMS. There is an increase in breathing frequency when one is exposed to lower oxygen environment. This natural response is known as the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) and there is some evidence to suggest that people with a low HVR are more liable to develop AMS. However, the well-known mountaineers Messner and Habeler, who were the first ever to climb Everest without supplementary oxygen, both had low HVR's and were interestingly not susceptible to AMS. This makes it difficult to determine if you will suffer from AMS or not.
 

The Symptoms of AMS
Headache / Nausea / Fatigue / Loss of Appetite / Vomiting / Dizziness / Irritability / Disturbed Sleep

Prevention
Acclimatization (After 1000 m. ascent stay one more night for Acclimatization)- Don’t make RAPID Ascent (Don’t go too far too fast)

No Alcohol, Sleeping pills and Smoking.
Drink more fluid 3-4 Liters a day- clean water-boiled or treated / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.

Climb higher and sleep lower.
Do not travel alone

Equipments For Trekking In Nepal
 

Footwear :
Boots, Thick socks, Light socks, Camp shoes.

Clothing :
Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, Sweater or fleece jacket, Warm cotton trousers, Shirts and T-shirts, Shorts, long underwear, Wool hat, Sun hat, Gloves, Bathing suit, Track suit

Other equipment :
Sleeping bag (4 seasons), Down jacket, Daypack, Water bottle, Sun cream, Sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, Lip salve, Gaiters.

Optional :
Insect repellent, Toilet articles, Note book & pen, Toilet roll, Laundry soap, Pocket knife, Towel, Sewing kit, Plasters, Binoculars, Camera, film, Cards and personal medical kit