As tourism in Tibet enters the peak season, more and more visitors are longing to travel to the mysterious highland. Meanwhile, they are worried about the altitude sickness. Experts advise that tourists to Tibet should have a scientific and better understanding of the disease.
Causes:

Altitude sickness, also known as acute high altitude disease (AHAD) is a common physiological reaction caused by acute exposure to low oxygen content,air pressure and dry weather when people get up to a place with a certain altitude.

Acute altitude reaction usually occurs within hours or days after a person goes up to a highland above 2,700 meters above the sea level from a region with a lower altitude. Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms which will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.

It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms including headache, shortness of breath, oppressed feeling in the chest, lack of appetite, fever, dizziness, fatigue or weakness, and etc. Some will even be come down with drowsiness, insomnia, adrenaline surge, nosebleed and so on.

However, experts point out that human bodies have a very magic capability of acclimation. Therefore, altitude sickness is not that scary.

Undated photo shows a majestic view of Nyingchi Prefecture in southern Tibet.[Photo by Mirenda Wu from China Tibet Online]

Prevention:

To prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness, visitors should have a proper rest and avoid strenuous activities days before they go to Tibet. After getting off the plane, they should try not to carry heavy things, run or avoid outdoor activities.

Nifedipinum, Nuodikang Capsule and Suoluomabao Capsule (also known as Hongjingtian Capsule) may help some people prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness when they are taken three days before people arrive in a highland.

Visitors (with a severe cold, a high fever, acute or chronic pulmonary diseases, severe cardiovascular diseases), women in late pregnant and kids under three years old should avoid traveling to regions with a high altitude.

Treatment:

Proper rest and oxygen aspirating can both help relieve altitude sickness. If a patient does not show any sign of improvements after three to four hours, he/she should go to a hospital for medical treatment.