Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing and high fever - see Amoebic Dysentery (
Click here
)
for more details about appro-
priate treatment in these circumstances.
The first symptoms are weakness, thirst and passing small amounts of very concen-
trated urine. This may progress to drowsiness, dizziness or fainting on standing up, and,
finally, coma.
It's easy to forget how much fluid you are losing via perspiration while you are
trekking, particularly if a strong breeze is drying your skin quickly. You should always
maintain a good fluid intake - a minimum of 3L a day is recommended.
Dehydration and salt deficiency can cause heat exhaustion. Salt deficiency is character-
ized by fatigue, lethargy, headaches, giddiness and muscle cramps. Salt tablets are
overkill; just adding extra salt to your food is probably sufficient.
HEATSTROKE
This is a serious, occasionally fatal, condition that occurs if the body's heat-regulating
mechanism breaks down and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Long, con-
tinuous periods of exposure to high temperatures and insufficient fluids can leave you vul-
nerable to heatstroke.
The symptoms include feeling unwell, not sweating very much (or at all) and a high
body temperature (102°F to 106°F or 39°C to 41°C). Where sweating has ceased, the skin
becomes flushed and red. Severe, throbbing headaches and lack of coordination will also
occur, and the sufferer may be confused or aggressive. Eventually the victim will become
delirious or convulse.
Hospitalization is essential but in the meantime get victims out of the sun, remove their
clothing, cover them with a wet sheet or towel and then fan continually. Give fluids if they
are conscious.
Snow Blindness
This is a temporary painful condition resulting from sunburn of the surface of the eye
(cornea). It usually occurs when someone walks on snow or in bright sunshine without
sunglasses.
Treatment is to relieve the pain - cold cloths on closed eyelids may help. Antibiotic and
anesthetic eye drops are not necessary. The condition usually resolves itself within a few
days and there are no long-term consequences.
Sun
Protection against the sun should always be taken seriously. Sunburn occurs rapidly in the
rarified air and deceptive coolness of the mountains. Slap on the sunscreen and a barrier
