Adventures in India

This is not intended to be a medical explanation, but something based on experience with many people in high altitudes. The most common non-serious problems I have encountered with height gain are flatulence, upset stomachs, early onset of periods for women near their due date, and head aches.

I cannot explain any of these in medical terms, as I am not a doctor, but I have observed that eating patterns change with a height gain. o­n the day of the gain, most people will eat a little less than they normally eat. Stomachs are a little delicate, and a bout of loosies is common after a significant altitude gain. Passing gas also creates embarrassing situations, and many a times, my clients want some medication to get rid of the problem.

As a general rule of thumb, unless there is very severe diaorrhea, or stomach pain, I recommend doing nothing at all. These symptoms usually stop within a day at the new altitude. If they persist, or cause dehydration, pain, etc. I'd suggest a mild digestive. There is no need to consciously limit food intake or panic. This is normal. What you should do, is drink a lot of water, ensure that your body is adequately covered and wear a cap at all times to protect heat loss through the scalp. I stress the drinking water, because most people don't feel very thirsty in cold climates. Sipping water through the day is the best remedy for most discomfort of such type in the outdoors. Take things easy, and don't wait for exhaustion to set in before speaking up o­n your situation. Keep people in charge aware of how you are feeling.

Women often get caught unawares by the o­nset of periods a day after significant altitude gain. Again, I have no clue why this happens, but it is a good idea to be prepared, if you are due within the next week. As far as I know, no lasting harm has come to anyone because of this, but feel free to ask your doctor. Many locals say that getting tired at altitudes is a cause, but I have also known it to happen to participants o­n a jeep safari who travelled in reasonable comfort.

Headaches are common as well when you gain height. In my experience, many of the headaches are more from exposure to sun, than altitude, and wearing a cap and sunglasses solves many of these. No harm popping whatever you usually take for headaches if they get unbearable, but they could also be because of the altitude and you must inform the people around you that you are having a headache, just so that they know. Drinking water, wearing a cap, and protecting the head in particular from biting cold wind helps prevent such headaches.

Another funny symptom I have encountered is when you come down from high altitudes. The ears feel clogged. Its like water got into your ears when you were swimming. Swallowing helps clear them a bit, but they will clear completely o­nly with some time at the lower altitude.

The other happy symptom of coming to lower altitudes is the rush of energy you feel. You're practically whizzing when compared with people who have gained height to reach that place.

Yeah. These are the rarely mentioned symptoms I have seen happening related with high altitude. If anyone has any additions, explanations or different guidance, feel free to use the comments box to post them here.