Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS), symptoms and cure

What is Acute Mountain Sickness, symptoms of AMS and why does it happen?

At high altitudes, the oxygen level is comparatively low and air pressure is decreased. Acute Mountain Sickness is the negative effect of high altitude caused by exposure to low oxygen. Reason gets that your body is not able to adjust in time to the low pressure and low level of oxygen resulting in AMS.

Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness include: Loss of Appetite, nausea. vomiting, more flatulation, severe headache, dizziness, faiting, insomnia, fatigue, swelling of feet, hands or face, shortness of breath, nose bleeding, rapid pulse.

Severe Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness : Symptoms similar to bronchitis, Persistent dry cough, Fever, Shortness of breath even when resting, Headache that does not respond to analgesics, Gradual loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting won’t stop.

How to be safe from AMS : Acetazolamide, also known as Diamox, is the preferred medicine. It helps your body get used to higher altitudes more quickly, and reduces minor symptoms. Take a dose of Diamox a day before you climb, and then for the next 1 to 2 days. It is highly advised to consult your doctor before taking Diamox as it has several side effects like nausea, drowsiness, tingling like sensation in the body and frequent urination. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING THE MEDICINE, specially if you are allergic to sulfur.

What to do If AMS hits you: Diamox is no cure if AMS hits you. But we recommend to still start taking it to not get any worse. You will get a better sense of AMS on day 1. As a precaution, with medicines you can also take oxygen cylinders as back up especially for Khardung la & Pangong tso lake. Remember, ignorance/carelessness can be FATAL.