Menawan Gunung Kinabalu: Penyakit Altitud Tinggi dan Langkah-Langkah Pencegahan
Conquering Mount Kinabalu: High Altitude Illness and Preventive Measures
Keywords:
high-altitude illness, Mount Kinabalu, acute mountain sicknessAbstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia at 4095 meters, is a popular destination for climbers but poses a risk of altitude-related illnesses to climbers. This article aims to discuss high-altitude illnesses and preventive measures that climbers can take before, during, and after the climb in terms of physiological mechanism changes.
Methodology:
A comprehensive literature review focused on the symptoms and prevention of high-altitude illness among hikers. Information was gathered from peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and field studies related to Mount Kinabalu and high-altitude hiking.
Results:
High-altitude illnesses such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and other related conditions are examined in-depth. Additionally, risk factors for the illness are identified. Preventive strategies are discussed before, during, and after the hiking. Effective preventive measures include adequate physical conditioning, comprehensive pre-hiking health evaluation, a gradual ascent to higher altitudes, sufficient hydration, and the prophylactic administration of medications such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone.
Conclusion:
Every hiker aiming to conquer high-altitude mountains like Mount Kinabalu is at risk of altitude sickness. It can be a highly rewarding experience. However, it is crucial for hikers to take appropriate and adequate preventive measures, not only to reduce the risk of high altitude illness, but also to increase the likelihood of a successful and safe summit to Mount Kinabalu.
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