What is Mountain altitude sickness and how we prevent/treat it?
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), altitude illness, or soroche, is a pathological condition that is caused by acute exposure to low air pressure (usually outdoors at high altitudes). It commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (approximately 8,000 feet).[1] Acute mountain sickness can progress to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Headache is a primary symptom used to diagnose altitude sickness, although headache is also a symptom of dehydration. A headache occurring at an altitude above 2,400 meters (8000 feet = 76 kPa), combined with any one or more of the following symptoms, can indicate altitude sickness: * Lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting * Fatigue or weakness * Dizziness or light-headedness * Insomnia * Pins and needles * Shortness of breath upon exertion * Persistent rapid pulse * Drowsiness * General malaise * Peripheral edema (swelling of hands, feet, and face).
