High-altitude medicine

ZONE OF KNOWLEDGE

At high altitudes, you may experience a decreased appetite. Additionally, nausea may occur during Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Changing your diet and consuming local products while traveling can also worsen appetite or cause diarrhea.

RISK OF GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING

At high altitudes, due to hypoxia and low temperatures, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases. It most commonly occurs within the first three weeks of being at altitude.

The main symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding include:

➤ bloody vomit,

➤ tarry (black as tar) stool,

➤ rectal bleeding.

Studies of individuals who experienced bleeding at altitude showed the following in gastroscopy:

➤ hemorrhagic gastritis,

➤ gastric mucosal erosions,

➤ gastric and duodenal ulcers.

FACTORS INCREASING THE RISK OF BLEEDING

Factors that promote gastrointestinal bleeding at altitude include:

➤ previously diagnosed peptic ulcer disease,

➤ increased red blood cell count in the blood,

➤ alcohol consumption,

➤ use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),

➤ taking dexamethasone.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE

Individuals with active peptic ulcer disease should not plan trips to high mountains.

Those with a history of peptic ulcer disease should avoid the following while at high altitude:

➤ alcohol,

➤ smoking,

➤ coffee,

➤ non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Products such as dairy drinks, buttermilk, or yogurts may alleviate gastric discomfort.

Dexamethasone should only be used in cases of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) symptoms.

When taking painkillers or dexamethasone, it is recommended to use protective medications for the gastric mucosa, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

If gastrointestinal bleeding occurs at altitude, evacuation should be organized as soon as possible and a double dose of proton pump inhibitors should be administered.

CHRONIC BOWEL DISEASES

Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases during flare-ups, such as:

➤ ulcerative colitis,

➤ Crohn's disease,

should not travel to high mountains.

During periods of remission, it is advisable to avoid very long trips to areas far from civilization and medical care.

HEMORRHOIDS AND STAYING AT ALTITUDE

If you suffer from hemorrhoids, it is advisable to consult with a doctor before going to the mountains. Worsening symptoms during the trip can significantly reduce travel comfort.

CONSULTATION BEFORE THE TRIP

Individuals with gastrointestinal diseases should consult with a doctor before planning a high-altitude trip to assess the risk of complications and establish appropriate prevention and travel preparation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Travel at High Altitude –www.medex.org.uk

• K. Mieske et al., Journeys to High Altitude—Risks and Recommendations for Travelers with Preexisting Medical Conditions, Journal of Travel Medicine, 2010; Volume 17 (Issue 1): 48–62.

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DO YOU WANT TO LEARNMORE?

If you want to better prepare yourself health-wise for trekking or high-altitude expeditions, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook"High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains in the online training"High Altitude First Aid" >> - designed for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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Meanwhile, you can find the detailed contents of a travel first aid kit and exact instructions for preparing an expedition kit and personal rescue set in the ebook"Travel First Aid Kit – A Complete Medical Guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check if your health condition allows you to safely participate in trekking or high-altitude expeditions, it is worth taking advantage ofa medical consultation >> ora telemedicine expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare appropriately for the trip, and increase safety while at altitude.

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

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