Description

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Context:

Recently a trekker from Idukki, Kerala, died in Uttarakhand while attempting to scale Garur Peak (Garhwal Himalayas) due to respiratory failure.

What is High Altitude Sickness?

High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body cannot acclimatise to high elevations over 8,000 feet. As altitude increases, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease, leading to hypoxia — a shortage of oxygen in the body’s tissues.

Early symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If left untreated, it can escalate into high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), where fluid collects in the brain. Both conditions require immediate medical intervention, and descent to lower altitudes is often the only way to prevent fatal outcomes.

What are Infrastructural Challenges?

In the Himalayan regions, beyond major towns, healthcare facilities are limited. This makes it difficult to treat high-altitude sickness effectively. Some areas like Leh in Ladakh have specialized facilities, but many high-altitude places lack similar infrastructure.

What are some policy proposals?

Improve Healthcare Facilities	Establish advanced medical centers in high-altitude regions like Leh with specialized facilities for altitude-related conditions.
Mandatory Tourist Registration	Implement a system to monitor tourist movements and collect data for research on high-altitude sickness.
Preventive Measures	Conduct health screenings at entry points and provide preventive medications like Acetazolamide for at-risk travelers.
Promote Gradual Ascent	Encourage gradual climbs with rest days to facilitate acclimatization.
Provide Emergency Services	Equip states with air ambulances, portable hyperbaric chambers, and supplemental oxygen supplies for quick evacuations.
Public Awareness	Share health and safety information online and at checkpoints to educate travelers on high-altitude health risks.

Steps to be taken

Mandatory Registration System	Introduce mandatory registration for tourists visiting high-altitude regions to monitor movement and facilitate rapid response during emergencies.
Screening	Conduct preventive health screenings at entry points for tourists.
Health and Safety Information	Display health and safety information at checkpoints and on government websites to educate tourists on acclimatization and risks.
Gradual Ascent	Promote gradual ascent schedules to allow time for acclimatization and reduce the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Emergency Response Measures	Provide supplemental oxygen or portable hyperbaric chambers at major tourist hubs. Encourage deployment of trained paramedics at high-altitude destinations.
Research and Development	Set up research centers to study the effects of high-altitude conditions on human physiology and develop better treatment methods.
Air-Ambulance Services	Equip Himalayan States with air-ambulance services for rapid medical evacuation from remote regions.
Infrastructure Development	Enhance road connectivity to remote regions to ensure timely access to healthcare facilities.

Reference

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15111-altitude-sickness

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness

https://travelumpire.com/altitude-sickness/

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.High Altitude Sickness (AMS) poses a significant risk to tourists and trekkers in the Himalayan region. Discuss the causes, preventive measures, and the role of government and medical authorities in managing AMS at high-altitude destinations. (150 words)