How to Recognize the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude sickness is caused by the decreased pressure of high altitudes, which compromises the body's ability to intake enough oxygen to maintain proper functioning. The symptoms are easy to recognize, and you should prepare for them by speaking to your doctor before you go ahead and scale that mountain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Physician

Know the Signs of Mild Altitude Sickness

1. Know that a headache is often the first symptom that people suffering from altitude sickness will recognize. Remember, though, that a headache can also signal simple dehydration, for which you are at increased risk at high altitudes. Consider a headache to be a symptom of altitude sickness if it appears in combination with other symptoms.
2. Watch for signs of fatigue or muscle weakness. These are clear indicators that the lowered air pressure of the high altitude is affecting your body's ability to circulate enough oxygen.
3. Keep a lookout for neurological symptoms, including dizziness, light-headedness and insomnia.
4. Recognize the other indicators of mild altitude sickness. These include general body ache, shortness of breath while exerting yourself and a rapid heart rate that persists even when resting.
5. Consider the swelling of your hands, feet and face an indicator that your case of altitude sickness may be in danger of becoming more severe.

Know the Signs of Severe Altitude Sickness

6. Consider vomiting and chest pains an indicator of the onset of acute altitude sickness.
7. Get someone experiencing dementia, confusion or difficulty walking to a lower altitude immediately. This indicates that edema (swelling) may be extending into his brain, which could cause life-threatening complications if not immediately treated.
8. Be aware that a persistent headache which does not respond to analgesic treatment can also be an early indicator that fluid is collecting in the brain.
9. Know that a persistent cough can be a sign that fluid is collecting in your lungs, causing swelling. The cough can either be dry or frothy and accompanied with syrup-like fluids. Again, these symptoms should be immediately addressed by getting the victim to a lower altitude.

Tips & Warnings

• Climb slowly, and sleep at lower altitudes. This will decrease your chances of contracting a severe case of altitude sickness.
• Extreme cases of altitude sickness can lead to coma or death. Cease climbing at once if you or a member of your party experiences the onset of altitude sickness symptoms. It is necessary to acclimatize, and all symptoms should disappear before attempting to climb higher.