I'm relatively new to trekking/mountaineering having only completed an Intro to Mountaineering course with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in October (great program) and done some day hiking at altitude in the Rockies and Swiss Alps. I am interested in heading to Everest Base Camp and have come across the Khumbu Cough (high altitude cough) in my research. I would be interested to hear any experiences as well as tips on prevention and treatment. Are balaclavas/neck warmers and lozenges the only way to go?

Thank you.

Try to keep a buff over your mouth and neck as much as possible. It will prevent dust from getting in and add a little humidity and warmth to the cold, dry air.

I hear that is called that because of the smoke in some of the huts around the area on the way up there is so brutal.

The Khumbu Cough isn't specific to that region. It happens to lots of people trekking in Nepal. I developed a pretty annoying cough while doing the Annapurna Circuit. After that, I could see how people climbing big peaks have been known to crack ribs from coughing so hard. I heard lots of other coughing in the huts at night, so I can tell you that I was by no means the only one. I've heard that wearing something over your mouth will help to retain moisture and limit the cold, dry air entering your lungs as you start to breathe progressively harder and harder. The trekking guide I had recommended getting a prescription of a cough suppressant with codeine. Of course, I read this after my trek, but it seems to be good advice. If you can't score a prescription from a physician in the States, you can often get inexpensive meds in Bangkok if you travels take you there first. All the Brits I met bought their anti-malarials there, and for MUCH less than you'd pay for at home.