Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. The symptoms of AMS are as following.

    * Nausea, vomiting
    * Loss of appetite
    * Insomnia/sleeplessness
    * Persistent headache
    * Dizziness, light headedness, confusion
    * Drunken gait, disorientation
    * Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
    * Slight swelling of hands and face
    * Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
    * Less urine output

Prevention of AMS

    * Acclimatization-After a 1000m ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
    * Do not make rapid ascent.
    * No alcohol, no sleeping pills, no smoking, no sex
    * Drink more fluid 3-4 liters day-clean water, boiled and filtered or medicated,
       tea, coffee, soup, and juice
    * No heavy backpacks 10 –12 kilograms OK.
    * Climb higher, always sleep lower
    * Ascend less than 300m a day above 3000m of altitude.
    * Never trek alone

Treatment of AMS:

    * Descent is the best remedy, do not wait for the helicopters or medical help
    * Oxygen supply if possible
    * Diamox-125 mg before dinner for sleeping problem
    * Nafedipine for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
    * Steroids/Dexmethasone for High Altitude Cerebral Edema
    * Hyperbolic bag
    * Do not leave your team member unattended.