Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is one of the serious potential problems many trekkers can face when trekking at altitude. The most important medical mantra to consider while trekking at altitude is "prevention is better than cure”.

AMS does not discriminate between who it targets. You can be an ultra-fit tri-athlete, a 20 a day smoker, 21 years old or 75 years old but it will make no difference. Some people suffer from AMS, others don’t. It is not yet fully understood why this is the case, however below are the typical symptoms of AMS, along with a recommended approach to limiting your chances of suffering from it:

Typical symptoms:

o Nausea
o vomiting
o Loss of appetite
o Insomnia/sleeplessness
o Persistent headache
o Dizziness and confusion
o Disorientation Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
o Slight swelling of hands and face
o Breathlessness or irregular breathing
o Less urine output

Methods to reduce risk:

o Good acclimatization (after a 1000m ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization)
o Avoid ascending too rapidly: no more than 300m per day depending on given altitude.

o No alcohol, no sleeping pills, no smoking, no oily food

o Avoid unnecessary over-exertion

o Keep caffeine intake to a minimum

o Drink plenty of fluid 3-4 liters day-clean water, boiled tea, soup, and juice.

o Eat plenty

o No heavy backpacks. 10 –12 kilograms as maximum depending on experience and condition.
o Climb higher, sleep lower
o  Never trek alone

Treatment of AMS

o Descent is always the best remedy. Do not wait for the helicopters or medical help unless critical

o Maintain excellent hydration

Three medications can be effective*:
o Diamox-125 mg can prevent mild symptoms of AMS.
o Nifedipine ordinarily used to treat heart problems and high blood pressure.
o Escomethasone, an important drug to carry for emergency use

*Please note you should ALWAYS consult your GP prior to taking any medication. The above is only example of the medication available.