​What to do if your ears hurt due to altitude sickness

Tibet is a place that many people yearn for, but everyone has many issues to worry about before going to Tibet, such as altitude sickness. There are many types of altitude sickness. Some people may feel dizzy, lack of oxygen, or even ear pain. So what should you do if you have ear pain due to altitude sickness? Next, let’s talk about some ways to relieve ear pain caused by altitude sickness, as well as other knowledge about traveling to Tibet.

If your ears are uncomfortable due to altitude sickness, you can do exercises to open your Eustachian tube. For example, swallowing saliva, eating, drinking, yawning, etc. Be careful not to drink alcohol, as it increases mucus and causes swelling of the Eustachian tube, making ear pain worse. You can also take some drugs that can constrict blood vessels under the doctor's advice, which can effectively reduce the ear pain caused by altitude sickness.

The severity of altitude sickness varies from person to person. What should you do if you encounter altitude sickness while traveling? After arriving in the plateau area, you must not move too hastily, and you must do everything slowly. The most taboo thing is to rush into doing some overly intense exercise. Never eat spicy or irritating food, and don't eat too greasy food. You can drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, which can help relieve altitude sickness.

1. People who are not suitable to travel to Tibet

People with obvious lesions in the heart, lungs, brain, liver, or kidneys, as well as those with severe anemia or hypertension, should not blindly enter the plateau. If you have never been to the plateau, it is recommended that you undergo a strict physical examination before entering the plateau.

Tourists with organic diseases, severe anemia or severe hypertension have poor adaptability to the plateau environment. When they first enter the plateau, their risk of developing acute mountain sickness is significantly higher than that of other people; if they stay in the plateau for too long, they are also more likely to suffer from various chronic mountain sicknesses than other people. At the same time, as the body has to adapt to the plateau environment, the compensatory activities of important organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys are enhanced, which increases the burden on these organs. Once these organs become diseased, the condition will be further aggravated.

If you are not sure whether you can participate in travel activities in Tibet, it is recommended that you consult an experienced doctor and try to follow prudent principles.