HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS

When you’re mountain climbing, hiking, driving, or doing any other activity at a high altitude, your body may not get enough oxygen.

The lack of oxygen can cause altitude sickness. Altitude sickness generally occurs at altitudes of 8,000 feet and above. People who aren’t accustomed to these heights are most vulnerable. Symptoms include headache and insomnia.

You shouldn’t take altitude sickness lightly. The condition can be dangerous. Altitude sickness is impossible to predict — anyone at a high elevation can get it.

Altitude sickness is classified into three groups:

AMS

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is considered the most common form of altitude sickness. The symptoms of AMS are very similar to being intoxicated.

HACE

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) occurs if acute mountain sickness persists. HACE is a severe form of AMS where the brain swells and stops functioning normally. Symptoms of HACE resemble severe AMS. The most notable symptoms include:

·         extreme drowsiness

·         confusion and irritability

·         trouble walking

If not treated immediately, HACE can cause death.

HAPE

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a progression of HACE, but it can also occur on its own. Excess fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult for them to function normally. Symptoms of HAPE include:

·         increased breathlessness during exertion

·         severe coughing

·         weakness

If HAPE isn’t treated promptly by decreasing altitude or using oxygen, it can lead to death.

Causes---If your body doesn’t acclimate to high elevations, you may experience altitude sickness. As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and less oxygen-saturated. Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 8,000 feet. Twenty percent  of hikers, skiers, and adventurers traveling to high elevations between 8,000 and 18,000 feet experience altitude sickness. The number increases to 50 percent at elevations above 18,000 feet.

Symptoms---The symptoms of altitude sickness can show up immediately or gradually. Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

·         fatigue

·         insomnia

·         headache

·         nausea

·         vomiting

·         rapid heart rate

·         shortness of breath (with or without exertion)

More serious symptoms include:

·         skin discoloration (a change to blue, gray, or pale)

·         confusion

·         coughing

·         coughing up bloody mucus

·         chest tightness

·         decreased consciousness

·         inability to walk in a straight line

·         shortness of breath at rest

Risk factors---You’re at low risk if you’ve had no previous episodes of altitude sickness. Your risk is also low if you gradually increase your altitude. Taking more than two days to climb 8,200 to 9,800 feet can help reduce your risk.

Your risk increases if you have a history of altitude sickness. You’re also at high risk if you ascend rapidly and climb more than 1,600 feet per day.

Complications--Complications of altitude sickness include:

·         pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs)

·         brain swelling

·         coma

·         death

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When altitude sickness   is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

COCCA Q—Cocca is considered to be a top remedy for altitude sickness. It is known as mountaineer’s remedy. Symptoms like palpitation, breathlessness , anxiety and insomnia are seen.

CARBO VEGETABILIS 30—Carbo veg is another best remedy for altitude sickness with air hunger. Desire to be fanned.  They desire for air blowing in their face either from wind or by fanning. Sometimes they may feel faint and may have a sense of weight in the head, eyes, eyelids or elsewhere . Along with this a glassy, distended abdomen is seen.

ARSENICUM ALBUM 30---Arsenic alb is best for altitude sickness with extreme chilliness. The person is anxious, restless and also have fear of death. They have great thirst, drinks water frequently at short intervals. They want company, warmth and reassurance.