We learned The topic is "Incidence of High Altitude Illnesses among Unacclimatized Persons Who Acutely Ascended to Tibet." this week. The aim of this study was survey unacclimatized subjects on symptoms associated with high altitude illnesses and their possible factors.
From the study we know that acute mountain sickness (AMS) is more common than previously thought. Mild AMS is very common among unacclimatized subjects with no previous high altitude experience, whereas the incidence of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is extremely low among these subjects. The most frequent symptoms are bluish coloration of the lips、headache and loss of appetite. Additionally, HAPE is associated with psychological stresses, fatigue, excessive physical activities, and lack of rest before traveling to high altitude regions. There was no report of death and HACE among the respondents. In addition, Physical adaptation by gradual ascent to a higher altitude is generally recommended to avoid the onset of AMS, HAPE, and HACE. Minimization of physical activities is advisable for unacclimated persons after their arrival at high altitude locations, especially within the first 48h of their arrival. A greater proportion of patients with HAPE experienced psychological stresses during their ascent to high altitude regions. Psychological adaptation by persons with no previous high altitude experience may be needed just as for physical adaptation.
In summary, with the increasing popularity of Tibet as a tourist destination, high altitude illnesses put an economic burden on the tourist industry in high altitude regions and pose a health threat to the unwary traveler to high altitude locations. The report provides much valuable information on the prospective management of unacclimated travelers contemplating acute ascent not only to Tibet but high altitude anywhere in the world as well.
(Chen Jian hua )
