High-Altitude Sickness – Risks and Solutions

High-altitude sickness poses important risks to trekkers and tourists in the Himalayas. The tragic death of a trekker from Idukki, Kerala, marks the dangers of high-altitude environments. These regions, while beautiful, can be deadly due to their extreme altitudes and the effects of reduced oxygen levels. About high-altitude sickness and how to prevent it is crucial for safety.

What is High-Altitude Sickness?

High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs at elevations above 2,400 metres. The body struggles to acclimatise to lower oxygen levels, leading to hypoxia. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. If untreated, AMS can progress to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), both life-threatening conditions. Immediate medical intervention is necessary for these severe forms.

Infrastructural Challenges

Healthcare facilities in the Himalayas are often inadequate. Major towns like Shimla have some resources, but remote areas lack proper medical support. Leh serves as a model with specialised facilities for altitude-related illnesses. However, most high-altitude regions do not have such infrastructure. Preventive health measures, like screenings at entry points, could save lives.

Importance of a Registration System

Implementing a mandatory registration system for tourists is essential. This system would allow authorities to monitor tourist movements and respond to emergencies quickly. Maintaining a database can also aid research on high-altitude illnesses, helping scientists understand how altitude affects different populations.

Early Intervention Strategies

Gradual ascent is the best way to prevent high-altitude sickness. The Wilderness Medical Society recommends taking a rest day every 3-4 days for those ascending above 3,000 metres. Medications like Acetazolamide can help with acclimatisation. However, no medication guarantees complete immunity. Travellers should consult doctors before ascending if they have pre-existing conditions.

Treatment Approaches

Immediate descent is the most effective treatment for high-altitude sickness. Symptoms often improve after descending 300-1,000 metres. Supplemental oxygen can alleviate symptoms, and medications may provide temporary relief. However, descent remains the mainstay of treatment.

Policy Recommendations

To enhance safety in high-altitude regions, several steps should be taken. Establishing state-of-the-art medical facilities is crucial. Creating research centres for altitude illnesses can improve understanding and treatment. Equipping regions with air-ambulance services for emergencies is vital. Additionally, providing health and safety information at check-in points can educate tourists.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the impact of high-altitude sickness on tourism in the Himalayas.
2. Discuss the infrastructural challenges faced by healthcare services in remote mountainous regions.
3. Explain the significance of acclimatisation in preventing high-altitude illnesses.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of government policies in managing high-altitude tourism effectively.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the impact of high-altitude sickness on tourism in the Himalayas.

1. High-altitude sickness leads to fatalities, deterring potential tourists from venturing into the Himalayas.
2. It creates a perception of danger, impacting the overall tourism revenue in the region.
3. Increased medical emergencies can strain local healthcare resources, affecting service quality.
4. Awareness campaigns about high-altitude sickness can enhance safety but may also discourage unprepared tourists.
5. Tourism operators may face liability issues, leading to stricter regulations and potential loss of business.

2. Discuss the infrastructural challenges faced by healthcare services in remote mountainous regions.

1. Healthcare facilities are sparse in remote areas, often limited to major towns like Shimla.
2. Lack of specialized medical services for high-altitude illnesses increases risk for trekkers.
3. Emergency evacuation services are inadequate, delaying critical care during health crises.
4. Preventive health measures, such as screenings, are non-existent at entry points to high-altitude areas.
5. Investment in infrastructure and training for local healthcare providers is essential for improvement.

3. Explain the significance of acclimatisation in preventing high-altitude illnesses.

1. Acclimatisation allows the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, reducing the risk of AMS.
2. Gradual ascent helps prevent rapid elevation changes that can trigger high-altitude sickness.
3. Rest days during ascent are crucial for the body to adjust, as recommended by medical guidelines.
4. Medications like Acetazolamide can assist acclimatisation but should be complemented by proper ascent strategies.
5. About individual susceptibility to altitude can guide safer trekking practices.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the role of government policies in managing high-altitude tourism effectively.

1. Implementing a mandatory registration system can enhance monitoring of tourist movements and safety.
2. Establishing specialized medical facilities in regions like Leh serves as a model for other areas.
3. Creating research centers can lead to better understanding and management of altitude-related health issues.
4. Air-ambulance services can ensure rapid medical response in emergencies, improving survival rates.
5. Providing health and safety information at check-in points educates tourists, promoting safer travel practices.