Altitude Sickness

All You Need to Know About Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a risk for everyone at high heights and, in extreme cases, can be fatal, so it’s crucial to understand it if you’re intending to walk in the Himalayas, the Alps, the Andes, or anywhere else above 2500m. The good news is that with careful planning and preparation, it can be handled with ease.

Quick Facts

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is another name for altitude sickness.
Above 2500 meters, altitude sickness can happen anywhere.
Hire a knowledgeable tour operator who is familiar with AMS.
Aim to sleep no higher than 300m above where you slept the night before.
Pay attention to your body since everyone adjusts to altitude differently!
A high-altitude rescue should be covered by your travel insurance.
Don’t be scared to change course because trying to suppress your symptoms might soon make a good situation worse.

What causes altitude sickness?

Even at rest, your heart and lungs have to work harder because there is less oxygen available at high altitudes. Your body is already under a lot of stress, let alone the intense exertion of climbing a mountain trek. This effect is more intense as you climb higher. Acclimatizing is the process through which your body adjusts over time. You will experience AMS if you ascend more quickly than your body can adjust. It might be fatal if you don’t react properly.

Typical AMS Symptoms

Different people react differently to altitude. While most people don’t see the effects until about 2500 meters, some people may experience them slightly lower. Others might simply not acclimate at all, while some may acclimate quickly and be able to ascend more swiftly. It is vitally crucial to pay attention to your body rather than attempting to blend in or follow the schedule.

Mild or Early Symptoms

A headache, usually throbbing and made worse by lying down or bending over, with one or more of the symptoms listed below:

Tiredness, weakness

Dizziness and lightheadedness
Tiredness, weakness
Insomnia, restless sleep, frequent awakenings, irregular breathing, and gasping for air when you wake up
These early signs can also resemble excessive exercise, dehydration, and sun exposure. You must pace yourself, stay hydrated, and use sun protection to avoid masking the symptoms of AMS.

If left untreated, mild AMS can worsen and lead to pulmonary or cerebral edema. It is imperative that you treat the early symptoms because both conditions can be devastating. Please conduct your study before you travel so that you are aware of the symptoms of more severe AMS.

Children in a high altitude

Given that children are less able to recognize and report the signs of AMS, you need to be especially cautious while treating children at altitude. Sleeping no higher than 3000 meters, and preferably no higher than 2500 meters, is advised for preschoolers (ages 3-5). It is expected that children 8 years of age and older may experience altitude symptoms in a manner similar to that of adults, however they may not always be able to express these symptoms.

It is best to presume that any illness or pain your children experience at altitude is caused by the altitude and to descend as soon as possible, depending on how severe the symptoms are. Please read this article on high-altitude trekking with kids for additional details.

How may AMS be avoided?

Make sure your route has a safe rate of ascent and allows for changes in case one or more members of the group do not acclimate well.

Experts’ suggestions

Have a rest day every third day up to 3500m (11,500 ft) above sea level and sleep no more than 300m above the previous night.
Only climb 150 meters (500 feet) per day and take three days off over 3500 meters.

Preventive actions

Consistently ‘plod’ while walking and take frequent rests
Keep your urine “pale and plentiful” by drinking plenty. This could entail consuming 4–6 liters of liquids daily (such as water, tea, soup, etc.).
Antihistamines, sleeping pills, and other sedative medications should be avoided as they decrease breathing and raise the possibility of AMS. (Alcohol is included)
The higher risk of AMS can be managed if you need to take any medication (for instance, if you have an allergic response).
Keep in mind the warning signs, pay attention to your body, and watch out for other hikers.
Speak with the guide and take their recommendations – Your capacity to comprehend what is occurring will be compromised by severe AMS, and there may be no other choice but to turn around and descend. Your life and the lives of others will be at risk if you ignore the counsel of the experts.

You must alert someone if any AMS symptoms appear. To ensure that your body can acclimatize safely, you need to receive assistance and modify the itinerary.

Preparing for a Secure hike

When hiking at altitude, speak with your doctor. In case you need to take any medication, make sure to research any potential interactions with altitude medicine (such as Diamox). If you take any drugs, be sure to let your trip leader know.

Additionally, ensure that you travel with a knowledgeable trek organizer and guide, and be sure to ask them the following questions:

How does the schedule support appropriate acclimatization?
What’s in the emergency first aid kit?
What level of education and experience does the support and guide staff have?
What measures do you employ to prevent an emergency situation from arising?
What is your emergency response strategy in the event of an emergency?
How is the guide going to handle an AMS patient who refuses to turn back and descend?

Remember, planning for a safe hike and having an unforgettable experience are both possible if you are aware of the hazards, symptoms, and remedies.

Ask our trek experts for advice on how to organize a secure high-altitude trek. We are passionate about amazing travels without sacrificing safety.