23 December,2010 07:03 AM IST | | Melissa D'costa
Winter has well and truly set in and you're dying to take that holiday to the hills. But fears of an impending bout of high-altitude sickness threaten to disrupt all memories of a pleasant holiday
' If you go by road, the gradual ascent through the mountains will affect you less. Conversely, if you travel by air, ask the air hostess for a cup of coke tea to help your body distribute oxygen better.
' Dehydration can accelerate the symptoms of high-altitude sickness, so drink lots of water. To make water more palatable at high altitudes, particularly if you are using purification tablets, try adding a dry drink mix
for flavour.
' If you experience debilitating headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath when at rest, severe confusion or hyperventilation, descend immediately.
' Hike high, sleep low; it helps. When you hike to a high altitude during the day and descend for the night to a lower altitude, you condition your body for higher elevations without sustaining the effects. It is also a good way to gauge how your body will react to elevation gains.
'u00a0If you experience moderate to severe symptoms of altitude sickness, descend immediately. If you are travelling with another person, agree to watch each other for signs. A person with high-altitude sickness may not recognise it, particularly if confused. A partner is a safety net.
