If you are planning to travel to a highland area, it is important to take precautions before departing. It is essential to have a physical examination to ensure that there are no underlying health issues with your heart, lungs, and other major organs.

Here are some more detailed suggestions to consider before traveling to high-altitude regions.

Firstly, even those who have been physically active for years and have good physical fitness should still exercise caution.

Before entering a new altitude, it is recommended to have one or two days of gradual adaptive exercise. Without proper adaptation and preparation, sudden entry into an area above 5,000 meters above sea level can result in unpredictable health consequences.

Secondly, it is important to consume more carbohydrates and easily digestible foods after arriving at the highland area.

You should also drink more water to keep your body fully hydrated, and dinner should not be too heavy. It is best to avoid alcohol and smoking and focus on eating fruits, vegetables, and other vitamin-rich foods.

Thirdly, upon arriving at the highland area, everyone will experience some degree of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties due to the lack of oxygen.

However, this does not mean that you cannot adapt to the high altitude. With proper self-care, you can generally overcome these symptoms within 2 to 4 days.

Fourthly, if you are traveling to the highland area by airplane, you may experience symptoms of high-altitude sickness after about 12 to 14 hours.

Therefore, it is important to avoid drastic movement upon arrival and immediately rest in bed. Otherwise, it will take longer to adapt to the environment.

It is crucial to note that if you experience worsening symptoms after arriving at the highland area, you should immediately inhale oxygen and seek medical attention.

Patients with plateau pulmonary edema and plateau cerebral edema, which rarely occur, require oxygen therapy and prompt transfer to a lower altitude area for proper treatment.

Lastly, some people use oxygen to alleviate chest congestion discomfort. Oxygen inhalation can temporarily relieve symptoms of chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing.

However, the symptoms may reoccur after stopping oxygen inhalation, prolonging the adaptation process. If symptoms are not severe, it is recommended to avoid oxygen inhalation and allow the body to adapt to the high altitude naturally.

Mild plateau reaction usually heals itself without treatment, so avoid overreliance on oxygen therapy.

Traveling to highland areas can be an incredible experience, but it is crucial to take the necessary precautions before departure.

It is essential to have a physical examination, gradually adapt to the altitude, consume nutritious foods, and stay hydrated.

If necessary, seek medical attention promptly and avoid overreliance on oxygen therapy. With proper preparation and self-care, you can fully enjoy the beauty of high-altitude regions without jeopardizing your health.