Mountain climbing is a tourist attraction that is quite popular both in Indonesia and abroad. Apart from its recreational function, climbing can improve a person's physical and mental quality. However, differences in environmental characteristics at altitude can cause a condition called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This condition occurs due to the body's reaction to reduced oxygen levels in the environment, which then affects the central nervous system, causing complaints.
Symptoms that can occur when experiencing AMS include:
- Headache (main symptom)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive tiredness (especially when resting)
- Sleep disorders
- Dizzy
- In more severe conditions it can cause bleeding in the retina of the eye and disrupt the field of vision.
These symptoms can appear starting a few hours into the first day of climbing. In mild conditions, when the body can finally adapt to the environment, these symptoms can disappear by themselves (after the first to third day). However, it is important to know that there is a more threatening condition caused by severe AMS or called Severe Altitude Sickness (SAS) which causes pulmonary edema and cerebral edema. Symptoms of both can include:
- Very extreme fatigue
- Excessive sleepiness
- Confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Cough
- Congested
Therefore, it is important to know how to prevent the occurrence of these conditions, both AMS and SAS. Some precautions that can be taken include:
- Make sure your body is fit before climbing
- Acclimatize by climbing gradually (don't rush to reach the top, give your body time to adjust, especially on climbs that reach a height of more than 2500 meters)
- Do the climb with an experienced guide
- Avoid excessive activity for at least the first 2 days when climbing
- Avoid alcohol
- Do not smoke
- Bring personal medication
- If symptoms appear, do not force yourself to continue climbing
- If necessary or if you have certain medical conditions, consult a doctor before climbing.
The following is a brief explanation of the health conditions that often occur among climbers. This condition can be mild and temporary (AMS) but can also be dangerous (SAS). These conditions can be prevented so that climbing activities can continue well without problems, especially health problems.
Article written by dr. Andyka Banyu Sutrisno, Sp.KP (Aviation Medicine Specialist at EMC Cibitung Hospital).