Manasi Parekh, who escaped Nepal-Tibet floods by hours, landed on oxygen after a ‘stupid’ mistake

Theatre and TV actor Manasi Parekh recounted her experience of escaping the Nepal-Tibet floods by a mere 4-5 hours. She revealed that during her Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a mistake cost her dearly. Washing her hair and sleeping off in the mountains led to mountain sickness, specifically Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a condition caused by sudden exposure to low oxygen levels at high altitude.

Parekh was treated with oxygen and medication, and she was advised not to wash her hair at night. Dr Amit Saraf, director of internal medicine at Jupiter Hospital, clarified that AMS mainly occurs due to the body's sudden exposure to lower oxygen levels, particularly when ascending too quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and disrupted sleep.

Dr Saraf emphasized that washing hair is not a cause of AMS, but sleeping with wet hair in a cold, high-altitude environment could exacerbate symptoms. He advised staying dry and warm to minimize discomfort and fatigue. Dr Manjusha Agarwal, consultant at Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, echoed similar advice, stressing the importance of gradual ascent, adequate hydration, and avoiding excessive physical exertion during the first few days.

Severe AMS can lead to serious altitude-related illnesses, requiring immediate medical attention. The key takeaway is the importance of ascending slowly, staying hydrated, avoiding overexertion, and seeking medical help if symptoms worsen, particularly if there's difficulty walking, confusion, extreme drowsiness, shortness of breath, or persistent cough.