Altitude Sickness In Tibet

Altitude sickness is a common experience for those traveling to the area of Tibet. It is important to know and understand that each traveler to this area will likely experience some type of reaction to the high altitude of this particular area.

This particular medical condition is also referred to as "Acute Mountain Sickness" and has also been referred to as "Hypobaropathy". It involves a physiological impact on a person that is not familiar with extremely high altitude levels.

At higher altitudes, the oxygen level actually has a low system of pressure associated with it. In addition to this, the actual oxygen available to those in certain regions is less than they are exposed to in lower altitudes.

Throughout this guide, you will be introduced to the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to cope with it when visiting the spiritually rich area of Tibet. If you are a traveler and are planning to visit Tibet or the area specific to the Himalayas, it is important to understand that this area is the highest area of the entire world. It is quite likely that you will experience some degree of sickness associated with this fact.

While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it is believed symptoms come as a result of decreasing pressure and oxygen levels in higher parts of the world.

The following outlines some of the symptoms that may be experienced when altitude sickness is experienced while visiting Tibet:

• Strange sleeping (not quite asleep; not quite awake)
• Mild to severe headache
• Feelings of fatigue and possible weakness
• Shortness of breath
• A fast pulse
• Feeling tingling throughout the body
• Interrupted breathing patterns

If you discover that you are experiencing these symptoms, there are a few things that you can do to cope with it. First, is rest and hydrate. Most symptoms disappear after a day or two acclimatising.

With altitude sickness, it can strike down a fit person yet not affect someone who is not at all fit. Naturally, fitness is necessary if you plan to do a lot of climbing.

The main rule of thumb is “go high; sleep low”. If you find you are really suffering, going to a lower altitude will ease your symptoms. If you have conditions such as those that are minor in nature such as high blood pressure, you should contact your doctor prior to the trip for instructions.
High altitude levels have higher amounts of radiation from the sun. The Tibetan people cleverly harness this energy by reflecting and concentrating the heat to boil their water as you can see in the picture. So be certain to protect yourself from the sun by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the effect of experiencing altitude sickness in Tibet.

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