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Acute mountain sickness
Acute mountain sickness
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
General
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), refers to a condition which occurs when traveling quickly to high altitudes. It is caused due to lack of oxygen in the air of high places. Symptoms usually begin between 6-24 hours after reaching high altitudes, usually more than 2500 meters above sea levels.
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Signs & symptoms
Symptoms may include headache, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination.
Treatment
Preventing AMS is done by climbing gradually and slowly, taking the time in each altitude to get used to the oxygen pressure, avoiding climbing more than 500 meters per day, resting in between climbing, drinking plenty of water, avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol, and eating light meals. Medication treatment may include acetazolamide, anti-sickness medicine such as promethazine and pain relievers. The most important thing is to stop the climbing and not to move any higher once symptoms are present.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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