Child falls ill in Sochi's mountain range, requiring emergency transport.
High in the mountains, rescuers from the Krasnopolyansky detachment arrived at a trail where a young mountaineer was in need of aid [1]. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and managing altitude sickness, a common challenge faced by teenagers during high-altitude mountaineering.
Altitude sickness primarily occurs due to rapid ascent to high elevations, where the air pressure and available oxygen are significantly lower than at sea level [2]. The key physiological challenge is hypoxia (low oxygen), which can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Teenagers are particularly susceptible to altitude sickness, and common contributing factors include rapid ascent without proper acclimatization, ascending more than about 1,600 ft in sleeping elevation per day above 9,000 ft, and physical exertion at high altitude [2]. Symptoms can range from headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness to severe cases of hallucinations and confusion, signalling High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) [2].
Preventive measures and treatments focus on supportive care, gradual acclimatization, and descent if symptoms worsen. Ascending gradually, ideally increasing sleeping elevation by no more than 1,600 ft per day above 9,000 ft, and allowing extra days to acclimatize if ascending quickly is crucial [1]. The "hike high, sleep low" principle—hiking to higher elevations during the day but sleeping at lower altitude—can aid acclimatization [1].
Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol or strenuous activity during acclimatization are also important [3]. Over-the-counter medications like acetazolamide can help prevent AMS by stimulating breathing, but should be used under medical advice [3]. In severe cases, immediate descent to lower altitude is the most effective treatment [3]. In some instances, supplemental oxygen or medications like dexamethasone may be required, usually under medical supervision [3].
Monitoring teenagers carefully for changes in symptoms during the hike is crucial, as illustrated by a case where a 14-year-old developed hallucinations and confusion, requiring urgent descent [2]. For mountaineering teenagers, careful planning with gradual ascent, hydration, and readiness to descend if symptoms occur is essential to prevent and manage altitude sickness effectively [1][3][2].
Thankfully, in the case at hand, the young man felt better and was able to walk on his own, with the rescuers providing necessary aid and helping him reach a point where an ambulance was waiting [1]. This incident underscores the importance of being well-prepared and aware when venturing into high-altitude mountainous terrains.
Scientific research emphasizes the need for proper understanding and management of altitude sickness during high-altitude mountaineering, particularly in teenagers due to their susceptibility. Preventive measures include gradual acclimatization, refraining from rapid ascent, hydration, and avoiding strenuous activity. In case of severe symptoms, immediate descent to lower altitude is crucial for health and wellness.
