How to Deal with Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness AKA acute mountain sickness (AMS) usually occurs outdoors in high altitudes. It is a condition caused by acute exposure to low air pressure. If traveling to high altitudes, it is important to take preventative measures and to identify and treat symptoms if present.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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1. Traveling to altitudes generally in excess of 8000 feet can lead to Altitude Sickness (AMS) and if not treated promptly and properly can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) which are more severe forms of this sickness.
   
   Chronic Mountain Sickness is also possible and caused by prolonged exposure to low pressure.
   
   AMS is more likely to occur with a rapid ascent, physical activity, high altitude, and individual susceptibility.
   
   Preventative measures include a slow ascent when traveling to higher altitudes such as ski resorts or when hiking in high elevations.
2. Recognizing symptoms is pertinent for proper treatment. Symptoms include:
   
   nausea
   poor sleep
   dizziness
   confusion
   lack of appetite
   headache and fatigue
   shortness of breath
   rapid heart beat
   swelling
   drowsiness
   
   Symptoms usually manifest themselves within 8 hours and generally subside when the body acclimates to the low air pressure.
3. Symptoms of the more severe and possibly fatal AMS include:
   
   loss of consciousness
   stumbling
   vomiting
   cough
   fever
   swelling
   fever
   headache that does not subside
   visual impairment
   loss of bowel and/or bladder control
   paralysis
   confusion
   loss of coordination
   
   Quick descent to lower altitudes may alleviate symptoms and prevent possible death.
4. Oxygen enrichment can counteract the effects of AMS.
   
   Various pharmaceutical drugs are also available for treatment. See your doctor for recommendations, prescriptions and to check for possible harmful drug interactions before ascending to altitudes above 6500 ft.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of water for hydration. This will help prevent AMS.
• Passengers in commercial aircraft do not typically suffer AMS as aircraft cabins are pressurized.
• Hikers and climbers must use special care when ascending to high altitudes. These excursions generally require much time to allow for acclimation. A rapid accent is never acceptable and can prove to be fatal!