Most of the places in Tibet are located in an altitude over 3,000 meters. So Altitude Sickness is likely to happen during your Tibet travel. Also known as AMS or Altitude Mountain Sickness, Altitude Sickness is the most common health hazard experienced by any tourist in this plateau region of Asia. Since there is lack of oxygen in high altitudes, this kind of sickness is very common in Tibetan regions.

You are sure to experience various symptoms at high elevation when you are in your Tibet treks. Some of the symptoms include nausea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, disturbed sleep, fatigue and loss of desire for food. However, the occurrence of Altitude Sickness is dependent not only on the level of altitude but also the physical condition of the individual and his/her ascent rate.

Altitude Sickness can turn out to be very grave, with the most serious symptoms being HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema). HAPE symptoms comprise suffocation at nighttime, shortness of breath and weakness. HPCE symptoms comprise ataxia, headache, hallucinations, weakness, coma, memory loss and psychotic behavior.

It is very important to get healthy and fit both mentally and physically before visiting this Asian region. Travelers who suffer from lung, heart and other organ problems must seek advice from their doctor before booking the ticket to go to Tibet.

Altitude Sickness can be avoided or lessened with appropriate acclimatization. This also eases and reduced the signs of Altitude Sickness. A slow and steady accent allows the body to adjust to higher altitudes. If you want you can go 400 meters regularly and take rest after each 1,000 meters ascent. Proper medicinal treatment also helps to reduce or avoid the symptoms of AMS during your Tibet travel. However, if meditation doesn’t prevent Altitude Sickness, evacuate immediately to a safe altitude or run to a hospital.

There are also few more things that you need to keep in your mind during your Tibet travel in order to lessen or prevent the effects of Altitude Sickness. You must always drink plenty of water. Your diet should include 3-4 liters of water everyday when you are in this high altitude region. It is also important to eat foods that have carbohydrate content in it because that will keep your body properly hydrated.

Never partake or over exert yourself after your arrival to the place. Get involved in light activities. Drinking, smoking and taking depressants is a strict no when you are in Tibet because that will depress your respiratory drive as a result of which the oxygen intake will be limited. Also remember not to go higher when you are suffering from AMS.

So, if you are planning to go to Tibet, always keep these few things in mind to treat Altitude Sickness. Inform other members on your trip when you experience any of the symptoms of AMS.