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Altitude Illness & Frostbite

Home Altitude Illness & Frostbite
Nepal's Trusted Experts In High-Altitude Healthcare
Specialized Care

Trusted by trekkers

Decades supporting trekkers and climbers in Nepal’s high altitudes.

Altitude Medicine Excellence

Nepal's Trusted Experts In High-Altitude Healthcare

CIWEC has earned international recognition for its expertise in altitude medicine, expedition healthcare, travel medicine and emergency mountain care. Our team supports thousands of trekkers, climbers and travelers every year.

Altitude Illness Care

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of altitude-related illnesses.

Expedition Medicine

Medical support for trekking groups and expeditions.

Travel Medicine

Vaccinations, travel health consultations and preparation.

Emergency Response

Rapid evaluation and treatment of severe altitude illnesses.

International Reputation

Helping Travelers Explore Nepal Safely

From first-time trekkers to experienced mountaineers, our altitude medicine team provides the expertise needed to stay safe and healthy in challenging environments.

Helping Travelers Explore Nepal Safely
Altitude Risk Assessment

Understanding Altitude Risk Levels

As altitude increases, oxygen levels decrease and the risk of altitude-related illness rises significantly. Understanding your risk level helps you prepare and travel safely.

Understanding Altitude Risk Levels
LOW RISK

2,500m

Entry Altitude Zone

  • Mild shortness of breath
  • Minor fatigue
  • Usually well tolerated
Recommended:

Stay hydrated and begin gradual ascent.

MODERATE RISK

3,500m

AMS Risk Begins

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Sleep disturbances
Recommended:

Ascend slowly and monitor symptoms.

HIGH RISK

4,500m

Severe AMS Possible

  • Persistent headache
  • Significant fatigue
  • Reduced performance
Recommended:

Consider acclimatization days.

EXTREME RISK

5,500m+

HAPE / HACE Zone

  • Severe breathlessness
  • Confusion
  • Medical emergency
Recommended:

Immediate descent and urgent medical care.

Altitude Illness Education

Types Of Altitude Illness

Altitude illness ranges from mild discomfort to life-threatening medical emergencies. Recognizing symptoms early can significantly improve outcomes and help prevent serious complications.

MOST COMMON

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

AMS is the most common altitude illness and typically occurs above 2,500 meters when the body has not fully adapted to reduced oxygen.

Symptoms

  • • Headache
  • • Nausea
  • • Dizziness
  • • Fatigue

Treatment

  • • Rest
  • • Hydration
  • • Slow ascent
  • • Medical review if worsening
LIFE THREATENING

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

HAPE occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs, making breathing difficult and potentially becoming fatal without prompt treatment.

Symptoms

  • • Severe breathlessness
  • • Persistent cough
  • • Chest tightness
  • • Extreme weakness

Emergency Action

  • • Immediate descent
  • • Oxygen therapy
  • • Urgent medical attention
  • • Evacuation if required
CRITICAL EMERGENCY

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

HACE develops when swelling affects the brain. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate descent and urgent treatment.

Symptoms

  • • Confusion
  • • Loss of coordination
  • • Severe headache
  • • Altered consciousness

Emergency Action

  • • Immediate descent
  • • Oxygen support
  • • Emergency evacuation
  • • Immediate medical care
COMMON CONDITION

Dehydration & Exhaustion

Trekking at altitude increases fluid loss and physical strain, which may worsen altitude symptoms if not addressed.

Symptoms

  • • Dry mouth
  • • Fatigue
  • • Muscle weakness
  • • Reduced performance

Prevention

  • • Regular hydration
  • • Proper nutrition
  • • Adequate rest
  • • Pace yourself
Cold Weather Medicine

Frostbite & Cold Injury Care

Extreme cold exposure can lead to serious injuries affecting the skin, tissues and entire body. Understanding the warning signs can help prevent long-term damage and life-threatening complications.

Frostbite & Cold Injury Care
Cold Injury Awareness

Cold Injuries Can Develop Faster Than You Think

High winds, wet clothing, extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia during trekking and mountaineering activities.

Extreme Cold Exposure
High Altitude Conditions
Wind Chill Effects
Emergency Response Planning
Immediate First Aid

What To Do If Cold Injury Occurs

Move to shelter immediately
Remove wet clothing
Use gradual warming
Avoid rubbing affected areas
Stay hydrated
Seek medical assistance

Prevention Is Always Better Than Treatment

Proper clothing, layering, hydration, nutrition and weather awareness remain the best protection against cold injuries.

Our Locations

Visit CIWEC Hospital

Providing trusted healthcare services from Kathmandu and Pokhara, serving local and international patients across Nepal.

Kathmandu

Main Hospital

Address

G.P.O Box 12895
Kapurdhara Marg
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Pokhara

Branch Hospital

Address

14th Street, Lakeside
Pokhara-6, Nepal

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