The HRA does not officially open until tomorrow (March 15), but we had a steady stream of patients today. Most people are in one of two large groups which have all come down with vomiting and diarrhea likely from improperly detoxified water or contaminated food. Most cases are caused by viruses in the US, but here it is frequently bacterial so we treat them with antibiotics which shortens the course. However, even with antibiotics, it is a miserable way to spend a few days.
We also had our first altitude illness case. A young man took a helicopter from Jiri toTengboche and then hiked to Lobuje in two days (usually takes four days for the unacclimatized). He came to us with a bad headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The main treatment for altitude illness is decent, but it was nearly dark, snowing, and he was alone as his trekking friend stayed in Lobuje. Luckily, he improved with Diamox and oxygen and will hopefully be able to walk down in the morning.
Tomorrow we officially open and will also begin our altitude lectures in Pheriche. In a couple weeks, we will also give lectures in the nearby town of Dingboche as well.
H&C
We also had our first altitude illness case. A young man took a helicopter from Jiri toTengboche and then hiked to Lobuje in two days (usually takes four days for the unacclimatized). He came to us with a bad headache, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The main treatment for altitude illness is decent, but it was nearly dark, snowing, and he was alone as his trekking friend stayed in Lobuje. Luckily, he improved with Diamox and oxygen and will hopefully be able to walk down in the morning.
Tomorrow we officially open and will also begin our altitude lectures in Pheriche. In a couple weeks, we will also give lectures in the nearby town of Dingboche as well.
H&C
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