Altitude
Cold is a factor generally experienced at altitude, and the risks and precautions that need to be taken follow those given above.
Acute Benign Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Altitude-induced illnesses include Acute Benign Mountain Sickness (AMS), the symptoms of which include:
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headache
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nausea
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dizziness
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loss of appetite
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vomiting
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insomnia
High Altitude Cerebra Edema (HACE)
AMS can progress to High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), a life threatening disorder which most frequently occurs following a rapid ascent to high altitude. A separate illness is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) which affects the lungs
It can occur at altitudes as low as 3000m, but is particular common at altitudes near or above 5000m. Common areas where altitude sickness occur are in Nepal and Peru
Prevention and treatment
Avoidance of these conditions is best achieved by maximising the opportunity to acclimatise and this should be built into the itinerary. The appearance of any symptoms of Acute Mountain Illness should prompt consideration of descent, or at least the decision to go no higher until they resolve. Continued symptoms should trigger a timely shift to a lower altitude.
Prophylaxis: for susceptible travellers, or when time for natural acclimatisation is limited, prophylactic acetazolamide has been effective in preventing altitude illness, but it has not been shown to protect against cerebral or pulmonary oedema.
For more detailed descriptions of altitude problems and issues the high altitude medicine website is a useful starting point.