{"id":12788,"date":"2025-04-14T16:07:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T14:07:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.up23.pl\/?p=12788"},"modified":"2026-05-03T16:27:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T14:27:22","slug":"acute-mountain-sickness-ams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/merowayadventure.com\/en\/acute-mountain-sickness-ams\/","title":{"rendered":"Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in the Himalayas \u2013 what you need to know before your trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ll be taking a serious tone today, as this is a serious and very important topic<\/strong>. We\u2019ll write a bit about AMS<\/strong>, that is to say acute mountain sickness<\/strong>, commonly known as altitude sickness<\/strong> or, less commonly \u2013 d\u2019Acosta\u2019s disease<\/strong>. It is a condition that most of you have probably heard of, and one that Anyone setting out for the high mountains should have at least a basic knowledge of the subject<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This condition, too, which we would all like to avoid<\/strong>, and which some of us, in any case, experiences in the mountains<\/strong> \u2013 especially when trekking in the Himalayas<\/strong> or expeditions to an altitude of over 3,000 metres<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were prompted to write this article by<\/strong> which, in our view, cause a great deal of harm online reviews<\/strong> stating that, Just how easy is trekking in the Himalayas?<\/strong>, that for most of them there\u2019s no need to prepare<\/strong>, and many trails have a level of difficulty comparable to that in the Bieszczady Mountains<\/strong>, so similar preparation (or a lack thereof\u2026) is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, we know that there are people who decide to travel<\/strong> w the higher reaches of the Himalayas (above 4,000 metres)<\/strong> without prior no mountaineering experience<\/strong> \u2013 even without a trip to the Karkonosze, let alone the Tatras. It is not uncommon for them to plan ambitious treks<\/strong> beyond their limits, covering one section of the route after another with a significant difference in altitude very quickly<\/strong>, without complying with safety rules in high mountains<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convinced that, after all, they do take part in sport regularly<\/strong>, they are confident that this is sufficient to ensure the success of their expedition. A lack of humility in the face of the mountains \u2013 and sometimes even recklessness \u2013 will never be a good guide on the Himalayan trails<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can anyone suffer from altitude sickness?<\/strong> Of course, the situations described are not common, but they do occur. We also agree that trekking difficulty levels<\/strong> it varies, and yes, there are There are easy routes in the Himalayas too<\/strong>, which, in terms of difficulty, can be compared to the Bieszczady trails<\/strong> \u2013 they are neither very high nor particularly demanding in terms of technique or fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be fooled, though<\/strong>. The Himalayas are high mountains and can be dangerous<\/strong>, often when we least expect it. Altitude sickness can affect anyone<\/strong> \u2013 regardless of age, physical fitness or mountaineering experience.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is altitude sickness and why is it so dangerous?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)<\/strong> is a set of symptoms caused by oxygen deficiency<\/strong> at high altitudes. At what altitude does altitude sickness set in?<\/strong> The first symptoms may appear as early as at an altitude of 2,500\u20133,000 metres<\/strong>, but they most commonly affect trekkers above 3,500 metres above sea level.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does altitude sickness occur?<\/strong> The higher we climb, the there is less oxygen available in the air<\/strong>. At a height of 5,500 metres<\/strong> (such as Everest Base Camp) Only about 50% of oxygen is available<\/strong> relative to sea level. The body doesn\u2019t have time to adapt<\/strong>, if we climb too quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main causes of AMS<\/strong> that is too rapid an increase in altitude<\/strong>, inadequate acclimatisation<\/strong>, dehydration<\/strong> and individual aptitude<\/strong> \u2013 Some people are simply more prone to altitude sickness, regardless of their fitness level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most dangerous forms of altitude sickness<\/strong> that is HAPE<\/strong> (High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) and HACE<\/strong> (High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema), which can be fatal<\/strong> without immediate treatment and descent to a lower altitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of altitude sickness \u2013 how can you recognise AMS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can you recognise altitude sickness?<\/strong> Symptoms of AMS<\/strong> can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. Recognising the symptoms<\/strong> It could save a life \u2013 yours or that of your fellow travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild symptoms of altitude sickness:<\/strong> Headache<\/strong> (the most common symptom), nausea and loss of appetite<\/strong>, dizziness<\/strong>, general weakness and tiredness<\/strong>, sleep problems<\/strong> and mild shortness of breath during exercise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderate symptoms of AMS:<\/strong> Severe headache<\/strong>, which does not subside after taking painkillers, persistent vomiting<\/strong>, a significant deterioration in motor coordination<\/strong>, shortness of breath at rest<\/strong> and swelling of the face and hands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Severe symptoms of altitude sickness (HAPE\/HACE):<\/strong> Cough with bloody sputum<\/strong>, difficulty breathing, even at rest<\/strong>, impaired consciousness and disorientation<\/strong>, difficulties with walking and maintaining balance<\/strong>, a bluish tinge around the mouth and nails<\/strong> and extreme exhaustion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When does altitude sickness become dangerous?<\/strong> If there are any severe symptoms<\/strong>, it is necessary to an immediate descent to a lower altitude<\/strong> i evacuation to hospital<\/strong>. Delaying could cost lives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preventing altitude sickness whilst trekking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can you avoid altitude sickness?<\/strong> The most effective method<\/strong> is proper acclimatisation<\/strong> and compliance with the principles of safe high-altitude climbing<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201eclimb high, sleep low\u201d principle\u201d<\/strong> that\u2019s the basis safe acclimatisation<\/strong>. This means that you can climb to greater heights during the day, but You should spend the night as low down as possible<\/strong>. Above 3,000 metres<\/strong> one should not increase the altitude by more than 300\u2013500 metres per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acclimatisation days<\/strong> It\u2019s not a luxury, but necessity<\/strong>. Every third day<\/strong> should be a day of rest<\/strong> at the same altitude, allowing the body to adapt. The best places for acclimatisation<\/strong> during popular treks, these are Namche Bazaar<\/strong> (3,440 m) on the route to Everest Base Camp, or Manang<\/strong> (3,519 m) on the Annapurna Circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adequate hydration<\/strong> is crucial \u2013 it is essential to drink 3\u20134 litres of fluids a day<\/strong>. Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills<\/strong> is just as important, because they may mask the symptoms<\/strong> altitude sickness and make it difficult to breathe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Treatment of altitude sickness in the field<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What should you do if you experience symptoms of AMS?<\/strong> The fundamental principle of treatment<\/strong> altitude sickness is to stop climbing immediately<\/strong> i monitoring of symptoms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild symptoms<\/strong> can be treated rest, hydration<\/strong> i painkillers<\/strong> (ibuprofen, paracetamol). If the symptoms do not subside after 24\u201348 hours<\/strong> or are getting worse, It is necessary to descend to a lower altitude<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acetazolamide (Diamox)<\/strong> It is a medicine that can to help prevent and alleviate symptoms<\/strong> AMS. How does Diamox work?<\/strong> It speeds up the acclimatisation process by increased respiratory rate<\/strong>. Dosage<\/strong>: usually 125\u2013250 mg twice a day, but always after consulting a doctor<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dexamethasone<\/strong> It is a reserve medicine used in in severe cases<\/strong> AMS, HAPE or HACE. It does not treat the cause<\/strong>, but reduces brain oedema<\/strong> and gives time for descent to a lower altitude<\/strong> or evacuation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When is evacuation necessary?<\/strong> If you experience symptoms HAPE or HACE<\/strong> Every minute counts. Immediate descent<\/strong> by at least 500\u20131,000 metres<\/strong> It could save a life. In extreme cases<\/strong> it may be necessary to helicopter evacuation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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