📌 What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high elevations too quickly, and your body doesn’t get enough oxygen.
🧠 Types of Altitude Sickness
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) – Mild; common symptoms.
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) – Fluid in lungs; life-threatening.
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) – Fluid in brain; life-threatening.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of AMS (Mild)
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Usually appear 6–24 hours after arriving above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft).
🔺 Severe Symptoms (HAPE or HACE)
Seek emergency help if:
- Confusion, trouble walking, or slurred speech (HACE)
- Persistent cough, chest tightness, or blue lips (HAPE)
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Inability to walk straight or balance
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Ascend slowly: Gain altitude gradually. Don’t sleep more than 300–500m (1,000–1,600 ft) higher per night after 2,500m.
- Acclimatize: Spend 1–2 nights at intermediate altitudes before going higher.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, avoid alcohol.
- Avoid overexertion: Especially in the first few days.
- Eat carbs: They help with energy and oxygen use.
- “Climb high, sleep low”: Hike higher during the day, but sleep lower.
💊 Medications
- Acetazolamide (Diamox): Helps speed acclimatization.
- Dexamethasone: For brain swelling (HACE).
- Nifedipine: For HAPE (prescribed for prevention or emergency).
Only take under medical supervision.
🧳 What to Pack
- Acetazolamide (with prescription)
- Pulse oximeter (optional)
- Water purification tablets
- Warm clothing (cold worsens symptoms)
- Portable oxygen (in extreme zones)
- Travel insurance that covers altitude sickness evacuation
⬇️ Treatment
- Stop ascending immediately if symptoms appear.
- Rest and stay at current altitude.
- Descend at least 500–1,000m if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
- Oxygen or medication may be required.
- Evacuation in serious cases.
📍 High-Risk Altitude Zones
- Mild risk: 2,500–3,500m (8,200–11,500 ft)
- Moderate risk: 3,500–5,500m (11,500–18,000 ft)
- High risk: Above 5,500m (18,000 ft)
