High Altitude Mountain Medicine
Mountain climbing is a brilliant outdoor exercise that is good for keeping fit and is a great way to see other parts of the world. However, it is also a sport which requires much physical, psychological and mental effort, especially when it involves climbing to high altitudes (over 3000m). A mountain can be a very demanding environment, with harsh terrains and punishing weather conditions which are nature’s way of showing its supreme strength over human beings. Nature can be dangerous if not respected and nowhere is this more apparent than on a mountain.
Do not take diuretics or other medicines without a prescription from a doctor. On Aconcagua, diuretics are not recommended anyway, as the body will need an increased amount of fluid in order to function effectively during the climb and taking diuretics may contribute to altitude sickness. Medicines specifically for altitude sickness such as Diamox usually hide the symptoms which is not always a good thing. It is much better to know what ill effects you are feeling so as to know when they intensify. If a serious condition is being masked by altitude sickness drugs then by the time it is discovered it may be too late. This is one reason why we are against using such medicines. Always inform your guide if you are feeling unwell, they are much more used to issues arising at altitude and will be able to help you out or get in touch with an Aconcagua medic.
Medical physicians on Aconcagua are very stringent with the tests they conduct on each climber at base camp. Blood pressure will be taken and saturated oxygen level will be monitored on a pulse oximeter. The reading will confirm how a climber is responding to high altitude and the medic will react accordingly. If the reading is low then the climber will inevitably be prevented from ascending any higher, at least until the reading improves (i.e. better acclimatisation has been achieved).
