How to Recognize Altitude Sickness in Yourself: 

☉ Generally, when people from low-altitude areas rapidly ascend to regions above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft), 50%–75% will experience altitude sickness symptoms. However, most adapt within approximately 3 days.

☉ At 3,000 meters, oxygen levels are only about 70% of those at sea level, leading to some degree of altitude sickness in many individuals.

Stages and Symptoms: 

🔍Early Stage (Mild AMS - Can often be managed with rest/acclimatization): 

Symptoms include headache, chest tightness, palpitations, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, cyanosis (bluish lips/fingertips), insomnia, restless sleep, vivid dreams, dizziness, fatigue, and elevated blood pressure. 

🔍Intermediate Stage (Moderate AMS - Requires medical evaluation/treatment): 

Symptoms include mental confusion and a significant decline in cognitive function. A key indicator: Before ascending, time yourself solving a simple arithmetic problem (e.g., an addition test). If repeating the same test at altitude takes noticeably longer, it strongly suggests developing altitude sickness. Drowsiness and lethargy are also common. 

🔍Severe Stage (Severe AMS/HACE - Requires URGENT medical treatment/descent): Symptoms include hallucinations, a false sense of warmth/well-being, and ataxia (staggering gait, difficulty walking straight). A specific sign: Aimlessly following others without purpose. Loss of consciousness may occur.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Maintain a Positive Mindset: A calm and positive attitude is crucial in combating altitude sickness. Many symptoms are psychologically induced, often stemming from fear of high altitude or lack of mental preparation. 

Avoid Strenuous Activity: Move slowly, especially upon arrival. Physical exertion consumes oxygen, significantly increasing the risk of AMS in the initial period. 

Stay Hydrated (Moderately): Drink adequate water to stay hydrated and consume plenty of vegetables and fruits. However, avoid excessive water intake as it can strain the heart. 

Stay Warm & Limit Bathing: Keep yourself well-insulated. Avoid frequent bathing, especially hot showers, as they stimulate blood circulation, increasing oxygen consumption and AMS risk. 

Use Oxygen Wisely: Supplemental oxygen is commonly used to relieve discomfort (shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty breathing). However, if symptoms are mild, it's generally advised not to use oxygen immediately. This allows your body to adapt naturally to the altitude. 

Potentially Helpful Medications/Supplements: 

a. Rhodiola (Hóngjǐngtiān): Widely used for prevention and relief, but its effectiveness is very limited if taken only for a short period before ascent. 

b. Inosine Oral Solution: Found helpful in practice for alleviating AMS symptoms. 

c. American Ginseng Lozenges & Glucose Oral Solution: Can help reduce fatigue associated with high altitude. (Note: Glucose is often available at reception; ask your host/concierge if needed). 

d. Gaoyuankang: A relatively effective medication for acute AMS. Use with caution as it may have side effects; strictly follow the instructions. 

Pain Relief for Headaches: Medications like Panadol Extra (Jiahé Bǎifúníng), Fenbid (Fenbìdé), or Saridon (Sǎnlìtòng) can effectively relieve AMS-induced headaches. 

Common AMS Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest tightness, insomnia, vomiting, bluish lips (cyanosis), loss of appetite, general fatigue, muscle aches. 

Brown Sugar (Historical Tip): Used during the Qinghai-Tibet Railway construction to boost blood oxygen levels. Drinking a cup daily starting 15 days before ascending to high altitude may help your body adapt. (Recommended based on historical practice). 

Sleep Position: Sleep on your right side to improve breathing.

Medical Kit Preparation for Travel to Tibet

1. Oxygen Cylinder (or Bag) & Delivery Equipment (Optional)

2. Respiratory Infections (e.g., Common Cold) (Recommended)

   • ☉Fever/Pain Relief: Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin)

   • ☉For Nasal Congestion: Saline nasal drops or spray

   • ☉For Sore Throat & Cough: Corn syrup (honey can be an alternative for adults)

3. Gastrointestinal Infections (e.g., Traveler's Diarrhea) (Consider packing)

   • ☉Prevent/Treat Dehydration & Electrolyte Loss: Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

   • ☉Antibiotic: Azithromycin (requires prescription; use only in remote areas with limited medical care for suspected bacterial diarrhea)

4. Constipation (Consider packing)

   • ☉Lactulose (requires prescription)

   • ☉Glycerin suppositories or enema

5. Malaria Prevention (Consider packing - depends on specific itinerary/risk)

   • ☉Atovaquone-Proguanil (e.g., Malarone) (requires prescription)

6. Altitude Sickness Medication (Recommended)

   • ☉Acetazolamide (e.g., Diamox) (requires prescription)

7. Allergies (Optional)

   • ☉Loratadine syrup (requires prescription - for children; tablets for adults)

   • ☉1% Hydrocortisone cream/ointment

   • ☉Calamine lotion

8. Motion Sickness (Optional)

   • ☉Dimenhydrinate (e.g., Dramamine)

9. Skin Bacterial Infection (Optional)

   • ☉Mupirocin ointment (e.g., Bactroban)

10. Skin Fungal Infection (Optional)

    • ☉Miconazole nitrate cream/ointment (e.g., Micatin, Monistat-Derm)

11. First Aid Kit (Recommended)

    • ☉Hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes

    • ☉Insect repellent (containing DEET, 20-50%)

    • ☉Sunscreen (SPF 30+ broad spectrum)

    • ☉Earplugs

    • ☉Adhesive bandages (various sizes)

    • ☉Small scissors & safety pins

    • ☉Antiseptic spray (e.g., Bactine)

    • ☉Aloe vera gel (for sunburn/irritation)

    • ☉Tweezers

    • ☉Artificial tears eye drops

    • ☉Sterile cotton balls

    • ☉Disposable gloves

    • ☉Digital thermometer

12. Medical Documents (Optional but Highly Recommended)

    • ☉Vaccination records/certificates

    • ☉Travel health insurance documents & policy number

    • ☉Copies of prescriptions (for all medications carried)

    • ☉Emergency contact card (with your details, ICE contacts, blood type, allergies)

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Individuals Unsuitable for Travel to High Altitudes (e.g., Tibet)

▣ Cardiovascular Diseases: Including organic heart disease, coronary insufficiency, significant arrhythmias, resting heart rate >100 bpm, severe hypertension, and any blood disorders

▣ Cerebrovascular Diseases: History of cerebral thrombosis, lacunar infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or asymptomatic cases confirmed by imaging.

▣ Respiratory Diseases: Bronchiectasis, asthma, interstitial lung disease (ILD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), any respiratory insufficiency, active tuberculosis. History of pulmonary bullae or spontaneous pneumothorax. (Also includes preterm infants >46 weeks corrected gestational age with oxygen dependency, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or pulmonary hypertension).

▣ Psychiatric/Neurological Disorders: Hysteria, epilepsy, severe neurasthenia.

▣ Gastrointestinal Diseases: Active peptic ulcer disease, active hepatitis.

▣ Uncontrolled Diabetes or Severe Endocrine Dysfunction.

▣ High Myopia or Pathological Myopia: Due to risk of retinal detachment induced by hypoxia, potentially leading to blindness.

▣ History of Altitude-Related Illnesses: High-altitude heart disease, severe high-altitude coma (HACE), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). History of significant acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude hypertension, or high-altitude polycythemia.
▸ Also unsuitable: Patients with varicose veins or history of venous thrombosis (long-distance travel by vehicle alone requires caution: stay hydrated and take hourly breaks).

▣ Organ Dysfunction: Individuals with impaired liver/kidney function or other organ insufficiency should consult a physician before travel.

▣ Active Illness: Do not travel with an unresolved cold/flu.

▣ Other Chronic/Underlying Conditions: Dental issues (e.g., dental caries, gingivitis), urinary stones, or gallstones. Ensure these are fully treated or stable before travel.