It is a common practice to visit hill stations during holidays .Some children may develop acute mountain sickness ,the commonest form of high altitute illness when they suddenly go to high altitude on the mountain.The symptoms of this disease are headache,vomiting,tiredness,getting difficulty in sleep and dizziness.These symptoms resolve within 12-48 hours of acclimatization.
If these symptoms are ignored,the child may develop life threatening complications in the form of high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema.
PRECAUTIONS:One should not travel on high altitude for more than 9000 feet on a single day.After 9000 feets,one shuold not go for more than 500 meters per day.One shuold take 24 hours of rest for acclimatization after every 1000 meters above 9000 feets.One should avoid vigorous exercise 48 hours prior to going up.
On feeling symptoms,one should consult doctor if available.Oxygen therapy may be needed in few cases. If despite treatment,the symptom is not improving,one should get down gradually