Areas at altitudes above 3,000 meters are referred to as high-altitude regions. These areas are characterized by low air pressure and low oxygen concentration, which can easily lead to oxygen deficiency in the human body and cause altitude sickness, including acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. Entering high-altitude areas above 3,000 meters within a short period can result in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, symptoms may also include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, fatigue, abdominal bloating, chest tightness, slight bluish discoloration of the lips, and facial swelling.
    Preventing Altitude Sickness

    Altitude sickness can be prevented, as it is largely related to the altitude reached and the speed of ascent, so it's important to ascend gradually. It is also related to individual adaptability. Engaging in physical training before going to high altitudes, such as doing aerobic exercises (mainly endurance activities) like long-distance running and swimming, is very beneficial. Those suffering from colds should wait until they have fully recovered before ascending to high altitudes.

    Prevention should be the primary approach to acute altitude sickness
    ◆ Individuals who need to work in high-altitude areas should undergo thorough medical examinations to check for any conditions that may make working at high altitudes unsuitable.
    ◆ When moving from low-altitude to high-altitude areas, ascend step by step to allow gradual acclimatization.

    ◆ If it is necessary to reach areas above 3,000 meters quickly, carry oxygen equipment and preventive medications. These may include diuretics, sedatives, adrenal corticosteroids, vitamins, etc. You may also start taking Compound Codonopsis Tablets two days before ascending to high altitudes, 8 tablets per day, which can reduce altitude sickness by 80%.

    ◆ Try to consume high-sugar foods, and structure your diet with carbohydrates as the primary source, followed by fats, then proteins. If possible, intake more liquid energy sources such as fruit juice and milk, which can also help replenish some fluids. Milk tea is a great choice, and butter tea is even better—it is high in calories and fat, which helps protect and moisturize the skin, while the theophylline in it also has a diuretic effect.

    ◆ After arriving at high-altitude areas, engage in physical activities gradually, and try to minimize and avoid exposure to cold and upper respiratory infections.

    Simple Treatments for Altitude Sickness

    ◆ For headaches, common painkillers are very effective and less irritating to the stomach. Aspirin also works but is more irritating to the stomach. In general, most pain relief medications can be used.

    ◆ If blood pressure is too high, use Hypotensor (a medication for early-stage hypertension), along with a small dose of diuretic tablets.Traveler's Tales, Pioneering a New Outdoor Culture

    ◆ Swelling: Areas more affected by gravity, such as the eyes and lower limbs, are prone to swelling. If the skin shows shallow indentations, it indicates mild swelling, which can be treated with Aminophylline, which has diuretic and vasodilatory effects and works quite well. For more severe swelling, Hydrochlorothiazide can be used—100 mg per tablet, just one tablet per day, 1–3 times a day, with effects visible in five or six hours. Diuretic tablets, 25 mg per tablet, just one tablet is sufficient, keeping the dosage small. Furosemide tablets have more side effects and are therefore not recommended.

    Note: The medications suggested in this article should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.