AMS

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a condition that affects travelers who ascend too quickly to high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet. High altitudes are characterized by low air pressure, which can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. Low altitudes (up to 8,000 feet) are considered safe, while high altitudes (8,000-12,000 feet), very high altitude (12,000-18,000 feet) and extreme high altitudes (above 18,000 feet) are considered very dangerous and require caution and proper acclimatization.  Additionally, even with acclimatization, people can only survive for brief periods of time at extremely high altitudes.  The highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro is 19,340 feet above sea level which makes it be in the extreme high altitude.

 

Altitude sickness can be caused by a number of factors, including a rapid ascent, not drinking enough water, and a lack of acclimatization. At high altitudes, the body needs to adjust to the lower oxygen levels and changes in air pressure. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Altitude sickness is classified by altitude categories: low, moderate, and high.  In severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and brain, which can be fatal.

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MILD AMS

Mild AMS, or Acute Mountain Sickness, is a common condition for travelers who ascend to higher altitudes too quickly. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To prevent mild AMS, it is important to stay hydrated, take frequent rest stops, and ascend slowly. If you feel any of the symptoms of mild AMS, it is important to descend to a lower altitude and allow your body time to acclimatize. It is also important to listen to your body and take it slow. Mild AMS can be managed and doesn't have to ruin your vacation.

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MODERATE AMS

Moderate AMS occurs if you are not adapting to the altitude and when a persistent headache doesn't stop, you start vomiting, coughing or have shortness of breath. If these symptoms worsen, it's important to immediately descend to a lower altitude. If left untreated, AMS can develop into a more serious form, so it's important to take the necessary steps to avoid it.

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SEVERE AMS

Severe Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a life-threatening condition that can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly. Ignoring the early symptoms of AMS can lead to more serious conditions such as ataxia, High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). If you experience any of the early symptoms, it is essential that you take time to acclimatize.  If you ignore your symptoms and try to push the scent, the symptoms may worsen and you may have to be immediately evacuated to a lower altitude. Severe AMS can quickly become life-threatening and should not be taken lightly.

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HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE)

HAPE is a serious medical condition that can occur when ascending to high altitudes. It is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness, coughing up blood or mucus, extreme listlessness, lips going blue. People with a history of HAPE or other respiratory conditions should take extra care when traveling to high altitudes. It is important to ascend slowly, as rapid ascent can increase the risk of HAPE. If you experience any symptoms of HAPE, it is important to descend immediately and seek medical attention.  

When HAPE is detected, oxygen is given while being immediately evacuated to a medical institution.  HACE can result from a shortage of oxygen in the brain as blood oxygen levels fall.

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HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE)

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a potentially deadly condition that can affect travelers at high altitudes. It is caused by a build-up of excess fluid in the brain, leading to swelling and impaired brain function. Symptoms of HACE include disorientation, confusion, hallucinations, and lack of coordination. If left untreated, HACE can be fatal. If you or someone in your group experiences any of these symptoms, you will be immediately evacuated to a medical facility. 

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HOW IS AMS DIAGNOSED?

The Lake Louise Scoring System is a diagnostic tool used to assess a climber's condition in the field. It is a simple, non-invasive way of assessing the severity of a climber's symptoms and determining the need for emergency medical care. The system uses five categories to rate a climber's physical and mental condition, including consciousness, skin temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and other signs of illness or injury. The scores are then used to determine the climber's overall physical and mental condition, and guide the decision-making process regarding emergency medical care.

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HOW TO PREVENT AMS?

Acclimatization is an important part of any high-altitude travel. It is the process of adjusting to the decreased oxygen levels and changing weather conditions that come with high altitudes. To acclimatize properly, climbers should start with shorter and lower altitude hikes and gradually increase their altitude. They should also drink plenty of water and take regular breaks to rest and allow their bodies to adjust. Additionally, they should plan to stay overnight at a lower altitude whenever possible. With proper acclimatization, climbers can enjoy their high-altitude journey safely and comfortably.

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