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  • ALWAYS PREPARED

Acute Mountain Sickness

What causes altitude sickness, how to recognize its symptoms, and how we plan itineraries and respond to keep trekkers safe.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), can occur when your body has not yet adapted to the lower oxygen availability at high elevations. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, meaning there is less oxygen available with each breath.

Your body responds naturally by breathing more deeply and increasing your heart rate to deliver oxygen to your tissues. Over the following days, it begins producing more red blood cells to improve oxygen transport. This process is called acclimatization.

If you ascend too quickly without allowing enough time for your body to adjust, you may develop AMS. This is why gradual ascent and proper acclimatization are essential when trekking at high altitude.

Altitude sickness can range from mild to severe, with symptoms varying in intensity and seriousness.

Mild AMS does not necessarily mean you must end your trek. If symptoms are mild, the most important step is to stop ascending and rest. Symptoms may improve with rest and acclimatization. Do not continue higher until you have fully recovered.

With moderate AMS, symptoms should be monitored closely. The trekker should not ascend while symptoms persist, and if symptoms worsen or fail to improve with rest, descent is necessary.

Severe altitude sickness is a medical emergency. A person with severe symptoms should descend immediately, with assistance if necessary, regardless of the time or weather conditions. Prompt descent and medical attention can be lifesaving.

Altitude sickness ranges from mild AMS to the more serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, HACE and HAPE.

 

Mild AMS

– Symptoms are often similar to a bad hangover and may include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. If symptoms occur, stop ascending and rest. Symptoms should improve with acclimatization before continuing higher.

 

Moderate AMS

– Symptoms may include a persistent or worsening headache, vomiting, severe fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Do not ascend further. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, descend to a lower altitude.

 

Severe AMS (HACE and HAPE) requires immediate descent.

– HACE (High-Altitude Cerebral Edema) affects the brain. Warning signs include confusion, difficulty walking or loss of coordination, unusual behavior, severe drowsiness, or loss of consciousness.

– HAPE (High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema) affects the lungs. Warning signs include breathlessness at rest, persistent cough, difficulty breathing when lying down, chest discomfort, and blue or grey lips or fingernails.

Both HACE and HAPE are medical emergencies. Descend immediately and seek medical assistance. Supplemental oxygen or a portable hyperbaric chamber may provide temporary support where available, but they do not replace descent.

Acclimatization: The best way to reduce the risk of altitude sickness is to ascend gradually and allow your body time to acclimatize. Almost anyone can develop altitude illness if they ascend too high, too quickly, regardless of age or fitness. Your body begins adapting as you gain elevation, but acclimatization takes time.

 

 

Follow the Itinerary: Our itineraries are carefully planned with appropriate night stops, gradual elevation gains, and acclimatization days. Do not rush your trek or skip designated acclimatization stops. Following the itinerary gives your body the time it needs to adjust to the altitude.

 

Walk at a Comfortable Pace: Trekking is not a race. Walk at a slow, steady pace and follow your guide’s recommended pace. Avoid rushing ahead of the group or pushing yourself unnecessarily. Physical fitness does not prevent altitude sickness, so even experienced and fit trekkers must allow sufficient time to acclimatize.

 

Prepare Before Your Trek: Good physical fitness will help you handle the demands of trekking, although it does not prevent altitude sickness. Before your trek, build endurance through walking, hiking, hill or incline training, and carrying a 5–6 kg backpack. Where possible, spending time at altitude before your trek can also help with acclimatization.

 

Most importantly, listen to your body and report any symptoms of altitude sickness to your guide immediately.