Altitude Sickness Medication - Information On Side Effects
Medication > More in this Category > Preparation > First Layer Clothing > Outer Layer Clothing > Equipment > Food & Rations > Fitness Programme > Acclimatisation > Mild to Severe Altitude Sickness > Edema
Medical Information on Altitude Sickness Medication is incredibly extensive and easily obtainable. Researchers are divided in their views as to the effectiveness of drugs in the treatment of AMS. Some experts feel that drugs such as acetazolamide, commonly known as Diamox, are incredibly useful in the prevention of symptoms of AMS. Conversely, other are of the opinion that the drugs wreak havoc on the body's natural cycles and in fact ultimately end up doing more harm than good.
It cannot be disputed that the effects of using Diamox or a similar prophylactic drug when attempting a moderately rapid ascent are indeed positive. Diamox inhibits the conversion of carbon dioxide and thus ensures that the acidity level in one's blood remains constant. Fluid levels in the body therefore remain regular, often preventing the onset of AMS. The drug also aids in the reduction of sporadic breathing, a condition which causes panic attacks in many climbers at high altitudes.
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Before becoming too enthusiastic about making use of Diamox however, climbers should be careful to consider the side effects of the drug. Aside from increased urination, Diamox has also been known to cause nausea, drowsiness, rashes, serious allergic reactions and the inability to experience the 'fizz' in carbonated beverages. Tingling and numbness in the extremities is also a well-known side effect of the drug, although a number of people have in fact reported finding these sensations quite pleasant.
Aside from side-effects another disadvantage of making use of the drug is that while it does relieve the symptoms of AMS, in reality it still does not inhibit them from worsening should individuals fail to cease their ascent. Due to the fact that its use may disguise the Symptoms Of The Condition, many climbers may be prompted to continue with their ascent under the false assumption that they are acclimatising successfully. This can lead to the development of potentially life threatening complications such as Pulmonary and Cerebral Edema.
Reactions to the drug differ greatly from person to person, as do dosage requirements. Some climbers find it more effective to begin with lower doses a few days prior to ascent, whilst others find it sufficient to ingest higher doses one day prior to ascent only. Ultimately it remains a question of experimenting with what works most effectively in each and every situation. It should however be noted that in certain individual cases, the drug has been known to have no effect on the prevention of AMS whatsoever.
Other effects of altitude include nosebleeds, dry eyes, fainting and problems with digestion. Although unpleasant, none of these conditions pose any serious threat whatsoever. In all cases however, the golden rule of dealing with altitude applies: remain aware of your body at all times and the moment symptoms worsen or become unbearable, cease ascent immediately.
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