It’s obvious you will have high altitude sickness at Everest Base Camp because the trek’s starting point is Lukla (2600m), which is relatively higher. Similarly, the trek takes you to the highest elevation of EBC at 5500m in Kala Patthar, where there is a high risk of Altitude sickness. The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and lies in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbhhu district. The trek is famous for its thrilling adventure, and EBC lies just at the foot of the highest mountain, Mount Everest, at 8848.86m.
The journey is challenging, and altitude sickness can hit anyone despite having physical fitness and experience. If acute mountain sickness worsens, it will lead to life-threatening conditions like HAPE and HACE. Thus, it is very important to be careful throughout the journey, be fully prepared for the trek, and consider the prevention measures.
Altitude Sickness occurs when your body cannot adapt to the environment of the higher altitude regions above 3000m from sea level. As you climb higher, the oxygen level decreases, so our lungs don’t get enough oxygen, which results in Altitude sickness. Our body needs time to adapt to the reduced oxygen intake, so acclimatization is necessary while trekking to higher regions like Everest Base Camp. If you take it lightly, altitude or acute mountain sickness can be hazardous.
At the high altitude zones of the Everest Base Camp, the risks of Altitude-related sickness like High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) may arise. Some of the common symptoms, such as headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and many more, can be seen. Continue reading this comprehensive guide to learn more about high-altitude diseases at EBC, their symptoms, and how to manage them.
If mere altitude sickness is not properly handled, trekkers can face serious challenges, leading to life-threatening conditions. Understand the types of altitude sickness in the trek to Everest Base Camp, know the symptoms, and plan your journey properly to fight the sickness in the Everest region.
Acute Mountain Sickness is a common form of altitude sickness. It shows mild symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, etc. AMS usually begins at altitudes above 2500m. Trekkers may experience mild symptoms in villages like Phakding (2610m) and Namche Bazaar(3440m); hence, it is the major resting acclimatization place. After ascending to Dingboche at 4410 meters, symptoms start to worsen.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is uncommon at EBC due to fluid buildup in the lungs. It shows moderate symptoms like shortness of breath, headaches, tight chest, suffocation, coughing, and fatigue. HAPE typically occurs above the 3500m above. It is more common in the places like Lobuche (4940m) and Gorakshep (5164m).
High Altitude Cerebral Edema is a critical condition that is life-threatening. It occurs due to the swelling in the brain. It shows severe symptoms like headaches, lack of coordination, hallucination, and lapsing into and out of consciousness. It occurs above 4000m, mostly in Kala Patthar (5545m) and Everest Base Camp (5364m). It generally occurs at night, so it’s a good idea to be careful at night.
Several factors contribute to altitude sickness during the Everest Base Camp trek. One of the major factors is the rapid ascent to higher altitudes without proper acclimatization. Acclimatization plays a crucial role in controlling altitude sickness. Another factor is exceeding the recommended altitude gain per day. Only increase your altitude by 300m per day for more than 3000m high altitude. A low oxygen level in the high-altitude region contributes to altitude sickness.
Other contributing factors include a lack of proper preparation for high-altitude trekking and poor sound health. People with pre-conditions like respiratory or cardiovascular issues are more prone to altitude sickness. Furthermore, inadequate water intake and not eating nutritious food can also cause altitude-related sickness.
Recognizing the symptoms of altitude sickness during the EBC trek early helps prevent the increase in sickness. Early detection helps avoid life-threatening situations and provides timely interventions. If recognized early, you can successfully complete the trek and have a sense of accomplishment. There are many symptoms that can vary from mild to severe life-threatening conditions.
| Mild Symptoms | Severe Symptoms |
| Headache or Worsening Headache | Severe shortness of breath, even at rest, |
| Nausea or Vomiting | Chest congestion |
| Fatigue | Difficult walking straight |
| Dizziness | Blurred vision |
| Difficulty sleeping | Loss of consciousness |
| Shortness of breath | Swelling of face, hands, and feet |
Altitude Sickness during the EBC trek can be managed effectively with proper planning. First, don’t ignore the signs of early symptoms; recognize them and try to respond to symptoms. Take proper rest and acclimatize during the first sign. Avoid further ascent until the symptoms improve. Try to ascent slowly at the higher altitude regions of the Everest Base Camp trek. Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration in your body. If symptoms worsen, immediately descend to the lower region and rest at a comfortable and warm place. If supplemental oxygen is available, use it; if it worsens, seek medical help. If you follow these precautions, you can manage the Everest Base Camp trek altitude sickness and make your journey worthwhile.
As we have the famous proverb, “Prevention is better than cure.” It’s better to stop something first than to repair the damage after it has happened. Some practical ways to prevent altitude sickness are maintaining a slow and steady ascent to let the body adapt to the altitude changes and follow the 300m elevation gain above 3000m high altitude. Stay hydrated and take proper acclimatization days.
It is recommended to eat a properly balanced diet, including high-energy and protein-giving food, and avoid caffeine and alcohol that makes your body feel dehydrated throughout the Everest Base Camp trek. Maintain your physical health by doing certain exercises like regular exercise, cardiovascular training, and strength-building. Regularly checking the symptoms of altitude sickness and, if necessary, using medication can help to prevent altitude sickness on the Everest Base Camp trek.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, even if they have a good level of fitness or experience. It affects anyone exposed to high altitudes, such as trekkers, climbers, and first-time travelers or tourists visiting the high regions. Anyone ascending rapidly without proper acclimatization is more likely to be affected. It can affect people of any age, and physical fitness does not determine immunity to altitude sickness.
If someone has a past history of altitude sickness and someone having an issue with respiratory or cardiovascular disease is more prone to altitude sickness. Children, the elderly, and first-time travelers to high-altitude regions are at high risk of altitude sickness. Thus, those who acclimatize properly and gradually ascend higher are less likely to be affected.
Acclimatization is when your body adapts to the higher altitude and lower oxygen levels. Acclimatizing properly is important to prevent altitude sickness at higher altitude regions. It reduces the risk of hazardous altitude-related sicknesses such as acute mountain sickness, HAPE, and HACE. It ensures that your journey is smooth and completes the full trek.
Follow the acclimatization strategies below to avoid sickness. Give your body time to adapt to the changes of high-altitude ranges, and if you feel like you are getting sick, take it slow and acclimatize properly.
Altitude sickness is a serious concern for trekkers on the journey to the Everest Base Camp trek. So it is necessary to understand what altitude sickness is, its risk factors, and its symptoms for your comfortable and safe journey in the Himalayas. Make your journey unforgettable by following the proper measures and strategies like acclimatization, drinking plenty of water, and seeking professional help. So prepare yourself mentally and physically for this thrilling experience because it’s about conquering the trek and caring for your health.
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