How to Avoid Altitude Sickness on the Everest Base Camp Trek: Symptoms, Risks and Prevention Tips

What is Altitude Sickness?

The most common type of mountain illness is altitude sickness. It commonly occurs when a person travels to higher altitudes, mostly above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters. Since Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters above sea level, the risks of getting altitude sickness on this trek are pretty high.

As the height increases, the surrounding air gets thinner, and thus there is less oxygen available to your body. If the rise in pace is just too fast, and the body doesn't get enough time to be acclimatized, then the body can't keep up with that, and the result may be symptoms of altitude sickness. The symptoms can start at any time between 2 to 12 hours after reaching the high altitude or during your first night there.

Mild symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. With these, your body is giving out the signal to slow down and let it adapt to the change.

Altitude sickness types during the Everest Base Camp Trek

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Acute mountain sickness is the most common form of mountain sickness one may face during their trek to Everest Base Camp. It usually happens at elevations greater than 2,400 meters, or 8,000 feet, above sea level. AMS usually starts with mild symptoms like headaches, tiredness, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances. In most cases, AMS is uncomplicated and is treated with appropriate acclimatization, fluid intake, and rest. However, in case symptoms worsen one needs to go down lower and seek medical help.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema ( HAPE)

This is a more hazardous form of AMS. High altitude causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs of people in HAPE. It usually occurs above 3,500 meters or 11,500 ft. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing which may produce frothy pink sputum, chest tightness, and fatigue. This can be life-threatening so immediate descent to a lower elevation and medical attention are required.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

The buildup of water in the brain causes high altitude cerebral edema, a severe type of altitude sickness. It usually occurs above 4,500 meters, characterized by confusion, ataxia or difficulty walking, hallucinations, severe headache, and loss of consciousness. HACE is a medical emergency and demands urgent descent and medical intervention to avoid lethal consequences.

At What Elevation Does Altitude Sickness Start on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Altitude sickness commonly starts at 2,500 meters or 8,200 feet, which you will reach early in your trek to Everest Base Camp. The trek starts from Lukla, a city that sits on 2,860 meters, 9,383 feet. For some trekkers, mild symptoms of altitude sickness are already noticeable during this period. Because of this, acclimatization on ebc trek is important right from the beginning of your trek.

Higher up to Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters or 11,286 feet, the risk is greater for altitude sickness, hence one of the many reasons people spend two nights here. Most people first begin to feel somewhat more noticeable symptoms-like headaches, shortness of breath, or trouble sleeping as their body is trying to adapt itself to lower oxygen levels.

Going higher up, en route to places such as Tengboche, at 3,870 meters, and Dingboche at 4,410 meters above sea level, the risk of altitude sickness begins to increase. It is here, even for the fittest trekkers, that symptoms start to appear since their bodies are working harder for the right amount of oxygen absorption. The trek has regular rest and acclimatization days to help with this adjustment.

The most difficult part is reaching Gorak Shep 5,164 m/16,942 ft. and Everest Base Camp 5,364 m/17,598 ft., where at the mentioned altitude there is just half the level of oxygen as compared to sea level. One can certainly suffer seriously from altitude sickness at this place if poorly acclimatized. It makes a big difference in keeping you safe on your trek if you take the time to adjust as you ascend.

Reasons for Altitude Sickness During the Trek to Everest Base Camp

Climbing Too Quickly to High Altitudes

A common reason people experience EBC altitude sickness is moving up too quickly without giving their body time to adjust. When you ascend too fast on the trek, your body has a harder time adapting to the drop in oxygen. To reduce your risk, it’s best to keep your daily climb to no more than 300-500 meters above 3,000 meters. Pushing past this can increase your chance of feeling the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Lower Oxygen Levels as You Climb Higher

The higher you trek towards Everest Base Camp, the less oxygen is in the air due to the reduced air pressure. By the time you reach base camp at 5,364 meters, the oxygen percentage at Everest base camp is roughly half of what you would breathe at sea level. The human body needs time for it to generate more red blood cells to move oxygen efficiently. Without the adjustment period, the symptoms of altitude sickness are more likely to occur.

High Physical Effort at High Altitude

Heavy physical activity, like trekking and carrying a backpack, puts extra strain on your body. At high altitudes, where there’s already less oxygen, this strain can increase your chances of getting altitude sickness. Your body’s already working hard to adapt, so overexertion can make it harder to acclimatize.

Dehydration and Poor nutrition

When you don’t drink enough water or skip meals, your risk of EBC trek altitude sickness symptoms goes up. You quickly lose water due to the physical exercise and the dry alpine air. Dehydration causes your blood to thicken, which hinders the body's ability to carry oxygen. Poor nutrition also robs you out of energy, which your body needs to adapt to high altitudes.

Individual Susceptibility

Some people naturally adapt more easily to the conditions that create altitude sickness. It doesn't matter how fit they are or how often they've trekked before. All are influenced by age, genes, and health conditions. The very person who had altitude sickness on past treks might be more vulnerable on the EBC trek.

What are the symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Early Symptoms (Usually appear within 12- 24 hours at high altitude)

• Mild headache that worsens during the day
• Feeling extremely tired or fatigued
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath with physical exertion
• Irregular breathing patterns, especially during sleep
• Loss of appetite
• Mild nausea
• Inability to sleep or disturbance in sleep

Mild to Moderate Symptoms (Usually develop after 24-48 hours)

• Severe headache
• Heavy nausea and vomiting
• Increased fatigue, weakness
• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Insignificant loss of appetite
• Swollen Hands, feet, face
• Rapid increase in pulse rate
• Insomnia
• Heavy coughing

Severe/Late Symptoms (Indicating possible HAPE or HACE Medical Emergency)

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) symptoms

• Severe breathlessness, even at rest
• Continuous cough
• Chest tightness
• Blue or gray lips or fingernails
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Mental confusion
• Fever

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) symptoms

• Severe headache that doesn't respond to medication
• Loss of coordination (unable to walk in a straight line)
• Severe confusion and disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss

It is important to note that in the case of severe symptoms, one needs to immediately descend as these conditions could be life-threatening. The best treatment for altitude sickness is going to a low elevation and seeking medical attention if symptoms are extreme.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness While Trekking to Everest Base Camp

To minimize the risk of Everest Base Camp trek altitude sickness, follow these essential tips:

Proper Acclimatization

Proper acclimatization on the EBC trek is crucial to prevent altitude sickness during your EBC trek. Follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" by trekking to higher altitudes during the day and returning to lower elevations for sleep. After you reach 3,000 meters, keep your daily climb to no more than 300 to 500 meters. Take mandatory rest days at places like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to give your body time to adjust gradually. This process helps in preventing altitude sickness on Everest trek, making it safer and more manageable.

Stay Well-Hydrated

Staying hydrated is one of the most vital ways to prevent altitude sickness. During the time of the trek, it is best to drink 3 liters of water every day. The high altitude, along with dry mountain air, can dehydrate you in just minutes. This could raise your risk for altitude sickness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely; it might be harmful at such heights. Limit caffeine intake as it also leads to dehydrating effects. Warm water or herbal tea will help in maintaining the hydration level better in cold weather.

Proper Diet and Nutrition

Good nutrition is also important for altitude sickness prevention. Have regular meals, even when you are not hungry since altitude tends to kill your appetite. Make sure that the food on EBC trek you eat is giving you long-term energy for trekking. If possible, eat fruits and vegetables, too. Be sure to eat light but often instead of one heavy and greasy meal because this digests much slower at higher elevations. Preventing altitude sickness on the Everest trek can be helped by maintaining a well-balanced diet that assists in feeding your body with energy in the high air.

Consider Medication and Supplements

Medication and supplements may be helpful for the prevention of altitude sickness. Your doctor may recommend taking Diamox for the Everest Base Camp trek, Acetazolamide, that is widely used to help reduce symptoms of altitude sickness. It is often advised to start it 24 hours before going up to high altitude. In addition to this, Vitamin C supplements raise the immunity of your body that might get weakened at high altitudes. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, then the best altitude sickness medicine for Everest trek is usually Diamox as a lot of trekkers find this one pretty effective.

Get Proper Rest and Recovery

Adequate rest and recovery are key to preventing altitude sickness. Make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night and rest whenever you need to during the trek. Your body will indicate all the time when it needs more rest. Never overexert yourself, as physical stress can further increase the risk toward altitude problems. Proper rest shall help your body acclimatize to the EBC trek and keep it in prime condition for the challenges of Everest.

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risks of altitude sickness on Everest Base Camp trek and enjoy a safer, more rewarding adventure.

Diamox (Acetazolamide) for Altitude Sickness

Diamox (Acetazolamide) is a common medication to help prevent and treat altitude sickness, especially on high-altitude treks such as the Everest Base Camp trek. Diamox works by helping your body breathe faster and deeply, therefore increasing oxygen intake. It's just a little boost that can help your body adjust to the thin air at higher altitudes.

The usual dosage is either 125 mg or 250 mg; it is taken twice a day, starting 24 hours before arrival to high altitudes. Many trekkers continue with this medication until they begin their descent. Always check with your doctor for your dosage, as they will be best suited to recommend what's good for you.

Diamox, like any medication, has a number of side effects. Some of the most common are: frequent urination, tingling in your fingers and toes, and an odd taste when drinking carbonated beverages. A number of people also report fatigue or slight nausea. Most often these side effects are harmless and go away after the medication is stopped.

Remember, Diamox is not a guarantee against altitude sickness. It's just one of several methods of preventing it, but you still have to acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and climb slowly. If you feel serious symptoms of altitude sickness, you need to descend, even if you're on Diamox. Keep in mind it’s always a good idea to listen to your body.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to acclimatize on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Acclimatization is different for each individual, but in general, two acclimatization days-one in Namche Bazaar and one in Dingboche-are included in a trek itinerary for acclimatization of your body with the altitude.

If I experience altitude sickness symptoms, what should I do?

Immediately stop, rest, and drink water if you start feeling symptoms such as a headache, nausea, or dizziness.Reduce the elevation if symptoms increase, and if required, seek medical attention.

Are there medications to prevent or treat altitude sickness?

Yes, certain drugs like acetazolamide have been used for prevention and mild treatment. Consult your doctor before taking any medication for altitude.

Can the Everest Base Camp Trek be fatal due to altitude sickness?

Yes, altitude sickness, if left untreated, can be severe and even fatal. Early recognition of symptoms and descending if necessary is important.

Do guides help with altitude sickness on the trek?

Experienced guides monitor the signs of altitude sickness in trekkers, advise on pacing and hydration, and can assist with descents or medical needs if that is needed.

How does altitude sickness affect older trekkers differently?

Older trekkers on Everest base camp trek should acclimatize more slowly and need to be much more cautious with the pace of their climb, monitoring symptoms, hydration, and rest.

Is oxygen needed on the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Oxygen is rarely needed by most trekkers in the Everest Base Camp Trek due to the fact that there is gradual acclimatization along the way. Portable oxygen is sometimes carried, however, just in case of emergencies, mainly in higher-risk trekkers or when severe altitude sickness may set in.

Conclusion

One very real element of risk on the Everest Base Camp Trek is altitude sickness. We'll help you acclimatize slowly, remind you of constant hydration, and encourage you to listen to your body. If the symptoms worsen, we immediately take you down to a lower elevation. With good preparation, one can safely reach the goal.

Guided treks to Everest Base Camp at Himalayan Recreation are designed with safety and altitude sickness prevention in mind. Our leaders will monitor your condition closely, including making necessary adjustments to your itinerary. Contact us today to plan your adventure, get expert advice, and confidently begin your journey into the Himalayas.