Effect of lifestyle modification during the whole process of entering and existing the plateau on high-altitude de-adaptation

To investigate the effect of lifestyle on high-altitude de-adaptation (HADA) through questionnaire during the whole process of entering and existing the plateau in order to provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of the disease.

A case-control trial was conducted on 1 751 participants from a certain unit who entered and existed the plateau together during 2021 and 2022. In 1 to 2 weeks after they returning from the plateau, they were surveyed, and finally, 1 544 valid questionnaires were obtained. According to the score of the plateau deacclimation scale ≥6 or not, the subjects were divided into plateau deacclimation group (n=192) and control group (n=1 352). They were further surveyed for their lifestyles and general conditions. Rank sum test was used to analyze the differences of lifestyles between the 2 groups, and unconditional logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the independent risk factors of HADA.

Hair loss (19.95%), drowsiness (16.58%) and tiredness (12.31%) were the most common symptoms of HADA. High salt diet before entering the plateau, smoking at the plateau, altitude sickness (OR=1.893, 95%CI: 1.142~3.137, P=0.013), leaving the plateau by plane (OR=1.688, 95%CI: 1.082~2.634, P=0.021), and drinking much tea, excessive exercise intensity and insufficient sleep after leaving the plateau were independent risk factors for HADA.

Low salt diet before entering the plateau, active prevention for altitude sickness, smoking cessation at the plateau, taking a slower means of transportation to enter and leave the plateau, drinking less tea, moderate exercise intensity and keeping enough sleep after leaving the plateau can effectively reduce the risk of HADA.