Acosta's Disease Information Overview
Learn the Symptoms and Treatment for Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is caused by the thinner air that is found in high altitudes. If you aren't use to the thin air during physical exertions, your body will not be properly supplied with oxygen. When the body experiences an inadequate oxygen supply, symptoms of Acosta's disease begin to occur.
Symptoms of Acosta's Disease
The symptoms of Acosta's disease are quite noticeable. Common symptoms include a throbbing headache that is often worse in the morning. Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are associated with altitude sickens as well. Overall weakness and fatigue is experienced, as well as insomnia. Dizziness is commonly experienced also.
Symptoms may not appear immediately. Often, it can take a day or two for symptoms to develop. Many people relate the symptoms of altitude sickness to that of a hangover. In severe cases it may become difficult to walk and confusion can occur. The fingernails and lips can appear blue in color. If symptoms like this persists the condition can turn deadly.
Treatment for Acosta's Disease
General treatment for altitude sickness includes simply going to a lower altitude. However, if your symptoms are mild, you are able to stay at the higher altitude as long as you rest. Drink plenty of water and rest as much as possible to overcome the altitude sickness. Over the counter pain reliever can be taken to relieve the headache. Medication to relieve the nausea and vomiting can be used as well.
In severe cases of altitude sickness special treatment may be needed. Oxygen may be administered to replenish the body's oxygen supply. There are also special pressurized chambers that are used to treat Acosta's disease.
Prior to heading to a higher elevation, consider asking your doctor for a medication to help you become accustom to the higher altitude quicker. Diamox is commonly prescribed to increase the body's adaptation time to higher altitudes.
References:
"What is Altitude Sickness"
"High Altitude Sickness"
"Altitude Sickness Symptoms"MedicineNet.comFamilyDoctor.orgWebMD.com
Published by Alyssa Ast
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