What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headed, this is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. Descending to a lower altitude will generally be enough to prevent any further problems.
Altitude sickness refers to any of several illnesses whose symptoms appear above a certain elevation. All types of altitude sickness are brought on by the same condition – the reduced level of oxygen at high altitude – but vary in their seriousness. At high altitude, barometric pressure – the pressure of the air over the earth – decreases. Consequently, every breath taken contains fewer molecules of oxygen, so one must breathe deeper and faster to obtain sufficient oxygen. In addition, the body must adjust its chemistry and fluid balance, including an increase in urination and an increase in red blood cell concentration to improve the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This process is known as acclimatization, adjustment for the decreased availability of oxygen. Acclimatization is slow, taking place over days to weeks, after which the body can function comfortably at moderately high altitudes. Altitude sickness occurs when the body fails to acclimatize. High altitude is defined as 5000 t
Altitude Sickness Altitude Sickness Altitude Sickness (also known as Altitude Illness) describes a collection of symptoms that can result when you travel to an elevation much greater than you’re used to (high altitude typically starts around 4900 feet or higher, and most ski resorts are at elevations of 6600-11500 feet). Taos, New Mexico (where Taos Herb Company is located), is at a base elevation of 9207 feet. Altitude Sickness has two causes — less oxygen, and a lower barometric pressure. Higher altitude means thinner air, and thinner air means less oxygen. The further away from sea level, the lower the atmospheric pressure. Lower atmospheric pressure means that there is less air to breathe…and the less air there is to breathe, the less oxygen you get. At the top of Mount Everest, for example, there is only 33% of the oxygen that is available at sea level, meaning you have to take three breaths to get the oxygen you would normally get with just one! You don’t have to be at the top
Altitude sickness – often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) – may occur when people ascend too quickly, normally at altitudes over 3000 m. We ensure minimal risk by building rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headedness; this is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. Our guides will recognize the early symptoms if they occur. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate early action. Descending to a lower altitude will generally be enough to prevent any further problems.
