Principles and Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) occurs when one quickly ascends to areas above 2500 meters, causing physiological reactions due to oxygen deficiency. Common symptoms include: - Mild: Headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia - Moderate: Difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, vomiting, slight edema - Severe: Pulmonary edema (coughing up pink foamy sputum), cerebral edema (confusion, unsteady gait)

Preventive Measures Before Departure

1. Adaptation Preparation

• Gradual Ascent: Avoid flying directly into high-altitude areas (such as Lhasa at 3650 meters). It is recommended to first arrive at lower-altitude cities (such as Xining or Nyingchi) and stay for 1-2 days to adapt.
• Physical Examination: Individuals with heart disease, hypertension, or respiratory system diseases should follow medical advice.

2. Medication Prevention

• Rhodiola Rosea: Start taking 7-10 days before departure (in capsule form or as tea), enhancing blood oxygen capacity.
• Acetazolamide (Diamox): Requires a doctor's prescription, can regulate body fluid balance and reduce symptom risks.

3. Equipment and Supplies

• Portable Oxygen Cylinder: Available for purchase at local pharmacies or scenic spots (approximately 30-50 yuan/bottle in Tibet).
• Sun Protection and Warmth: High altitudes have strong UV rays and large day-night temperature differences. Prepare sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, and windproof jackets.

Strategies Upon Arrival

1. Initial Adaptation Period (24-48 hours)

• Avoid Intense Activities: On the day of arrival, try to rest quietly, reducing walking and climbing.
• Dietary Suggestions:
• Drink plenty of warm water (2-3 liters daily), drinking small amounts frequently.
• Choose light, high-carbohydrate foods (such as porridge, noodles), avoiding greasy and excessive protein intake.
• Sleep Adjustment: Use a high pillow to keep your head elevated, promoting breathing.

2. Symptom Relief Methods

• Mild Symptoms:
• Oxygen inhalation (10-15 minutes each time, every hour).
• Take ibuprofen (for headaches) or omeprazole (for stomach discomfort).
• Moderate Symptoms: Immediately descend to lower-altitude areas (if feeling unwell in Lhasa, go to Nyingchi or Shigatse).

3. Emergency Handling

• Pulmonary Edema/Brain Edema:
• Seek immediate medical attention (Tibet Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Jiuzhaigou County People’s Hospital both have specialized altitude sickness departments).
• Use hyperbaric oxygen chambers (available in hospitals in Lhasa, Shangri-La, etc.).

Special Notes for Tibet and Jiuzhaigou

Tibet

• Transportation Options:
• It is recommended to take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (Xining-Lhasa) to gradually adapt to the altitude.
• Avoid going to Namtso Lake (altitude 4718 meters) or Mount Everest Base Camp (5200 meters) on the first day.
• Accommodation Recommendations: In Lhasa city, choose hotels that offer oxygen (such as St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Shangri-La Hotel).

Jiuzhaigou

• Altitude Distribution:
• Entrance (2000 meters) - Changhai (3100 meters) - Primitive Forest (3060 meters).
• It is suggested to visit low-altitude attractions first (such as Shuzheng Cluster Lakes) and then gradually ascend.
• Medical Support: There are medical stations within the Jiuzhaigou scenic area, but severe cases need to be transferred to Jiuzhaigou County Hospital (about a 1-hour drive).

Long-term Itinerary Planning Suggestions

• Reasonable Time Allocation: Allow 1 day for adaptation for every 500-meter increase in elevation (for example: Lhasa 3 days → Shigatse 2 days → Mount Everest Base Camp).
• Flexible Route Adjustments: If continuously uncomfortable, consider alternative low-altitude attractions (such as Nyingchi in Tibet or Yading in Sichuan).

Useful Tools and Contact Information

• Emergency Phone Numbers:
• Tibet Emergency: 120 / 0891-6332462
• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area Rescue: 0837-7739529
• Oxygen Supply Points:
• Tibet: Potala Palace Square, Barkhor Street surrounding pharmacies
• Jiuzhaigou: Visitor Service Center at the entrance