Amarnath Yatra - Health Precautions
Health Advisory
1. The Pilgrimage to Holy Cave of Shri
Amarnathji involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14000 feet.
2. Yatris may develop High Altitude Sickness
with following symptoms: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness,
dizziness, lightheadedness and difficulty in sleeping, visual impairment,
bladder dysfunction, bowl dysfunction, loss of coordination of movements,
paralysis on one side of the body, gradual loss of consciousness and mental
status changes, drowsiness, chest tightness, fullness, congestion, fast
breathing and increased heart rate.
3. If high altitude
sickness is not treated timely, it may be lethal in a matter of hours.
Do’s for prevention of
High Altitude Sickness.
1. Do prepare for the
Yatra by achieving Physical Fitness – it is advisable to start a preparatory
Morning/ Evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at least a month prior to the
Yatra.
2. Start deep breathing
exercise and Yoga, particularly pranayam for improving oxygen efficiency of the
body.
3. Do check with your physician prior to
travelling to higher elevations, if you have any existing pre-existing medical
conditions.
4. Do walk slowly while
ascending and take time to acclimatize-, relax for a short while on steep
inclines.
5. Do avoid exerting
beyond your normal capacity.
6. Do take compulsory rest
at various locations and ensure time logging and take ideal walking time mentioned
on the display boards while moving towards next location.
7. Do check with your
physician prior to taking any medications.
8. Do drink lots of water
to combat dehydration and headaches – about 5 liters of fluid per day.
9. Do follow the prescribed food menu –
available at Shrine Board’s website, Shriamarnathjishrine.com – when having
food in the Yatra area.
10. Do consume plenty of
carbohydrates to reduce fatigue and prevent low blood sugar levels.
11. Do bring portable
oxygen with you as it is helpful in case you have difficulty in breathing.
12. Do descend immediately to a lower
elevation, if you start having altitude illness symptoms.
13 In case there is any change in the status
of your health after having obtained Compulsory Health Certificate some weeks
earlier, do consult your doctor before embarking on the pilgrimage.
14. In case of any signs
of high altitude sickness or any other discomfort, immediately contact the
nearest medical facility located at every 2 kms.
Don’ts for prevention of
High Altitude Illness.
1. Don’t ignore the
symptoms of high altitude illness.
2. Don’t drink alcohol,
caffeinated drink, or smoke.
3. Don’t ascend any
further if you have altitude illness. Instead, descend immediately to an
elevation where you can acclimatize.
4. Don’t accept everything
a sick Yatri says since his/ her judgment is Imparied.
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