Acute Mountain Sickness

Altitude sickness—also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

To understand AMS better lets understand the Atmospheric Pressure which is a measure of the force exerted by the air and other particles in the atmosphere, so atmosphere around us is always applying some force on us. More the quantity of air around us more is the pressure.

We all know that at high altitude the atmospheric pressure is low and as we go more up the pressure decreases, so the surrounding air will have less oxygen molecules and hence amount of oxygen in each breath is less at high altitude.

AMS is just an adverse effect of altitude on our body. and since mountains are always an altitude its termed as Acute Mountain Sickness.

Whats is High Altitude ?

Although minor symptoms such as breathlessness may occur at altitudes of 1,500metres (5,000 ft), AMS commonly occurs above 2,400 meters (8,000 ft). It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of “flu, carbon mono xide poisoning, or a hangover”. It is hard to determine who will be affected by altitude sickness, as there are no specific factors that correlate with a susceptibility to altitude sickness. However, most people can ascend to 2,400metres (8,000 ft) without difficulty.Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which are potentially fatal. Chronic mountain sickness, also known as Monge’s disease,is a different condition that only occurs after very prolonged exposure to high altitude

Why It Happens

The pressure of the air that surrounds you is called barometric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available.

If you live in a place that’s located at a moderately high altitude, you get used to the air pressure. But if you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure.

Any time you go above 8,000 feet, you can be at risk for altitude sickness.

Types

There are two kinds of altitude sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the mildest form and it’s very common. The symptoms can feel like a hangover – dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a buildup of fluid in the lungs that can be very dangerous and even life threatening.

Acute Mountain Sickness Symptoms :- Symptoms tend to occur within hours after arrival at high altitude and include headache, nausea, shortness of breath and inability to exercise.