What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Summary

In this informative video, Swathi talks to Arjun Majumdar, founder of Indiahikes, about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a common issue faced by high-altitude trekkers. Arjun explains the symptoms of AMS, how it differs from general altitude sickness, and why it can be deadly if not addressed. He highlights the psychological pressure experienced by trekkers, especially in groups, that may prevent them from reporting symptoms. The conversation also touches on why AMS is more prevalent in the Indian and Nepali Himalayas due to rapid elevation gain. The episode concludes with advice on how to recognize AMS early and treat it effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the initial stage of altitude sickness and can develop into more severe conditions like HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema).
• 😀 AMS can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. It can escalate very quickly, sometimes within just a few hours.
• 😀 AMS occurs when oxygen levels decrease at high altitudes, making it difficult for the body to cope with exertion and lack of oxygen.
• 😀 Common symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and a feeling of uneasiness in the stomach.
• 😀 People often misattribute AMS symptoms like nausea or dizziness to other causes, such as food digestion issues, rather than recognizing them as signs of AMS.
• 😀 It’s crucial to attribute any uneasiness to altitude sickness first and take immediate steps to manage it, rather than trying to treat individual symptoms.
• 😀 AMS is more likely to affect trekkers in group settings, as the pressure to keep up with the group's pace can prevent individuals from acknowledging and reporting symptoms.
• 😀 Experienced trekkers are just as prone to AMS as beginners, as they may avoid admitting to symptoms due to peer pressure or the fear of appearing weak.
• 😀 The rapid ascent in the Indian and Nepali Himalayas increases the likelihood of AMS due to insufficient acclimatization time between camps.
• 😀 The golden rule for managing AMS is to alert your trekking buddies or leader as soon as you notice any symptoms. Early detection and communication are crucial.
• 😀 AMS symptoms can take several hours to develop, so it's important to monitor your condition throughout the day and evening, particularly after ascending to higher altitudes.

Q & A

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), and how does it differ from Altitude Sickness?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition caused by a lack of oxygen at high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is the initial form of altitude sickness, which can progress to more severe conditions like High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). While altitude sickness is a broader term, AMS is the early stage of this illness.

What are the most common symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness?

The most common symptoms of AMS include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and light-headedness. Additionally, some people may experience stomach discomfort or an uneasy feeling in their stomach, which can occur without a headache.

Why is it important to attribute symptoms like nausea or fatigue to altitude sickness rather than other causes?

In the mountains, any symptoms of nausea, fatigue, or stomach discomfort should first be attributed to altitude sickness because these symptoms often result from the body's inability to process food due to the lack of oxygen, not from indigestion or other causes. Treating symptoms without considering altitude sickness can be dangerous.

Why are trekkers in organized groups more prone to AMS?

Trekking in organized groups increases the likelihood of AMS because individuals may feel pressured to keep up with the group's pace, leading them to ignore early symptoms. This psychological pressure prevents them from disclosing their discomfort, which can make the condition worsen without immediate attention.

Is experience in high-altitude trekking related to the likelihood of getting AMS?

No, experience in high-altitude trekking does not prevent AMS. Experienced trekkers often feel peer pressure to avoid admitting they're affected by AMS, which can lead to worse outcomes. In fact, experienced trekkers are often more susceptible to altitude sickness because they may be more focused on guiding others and less likely to acknowledge their symptoms.

Why are AMS cases more common in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas compared to the Alps?

AMS is more common in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas because of the rapid ascent in these regions. Trekkers often go from lower elevations to significantly higher altitudes very quickly without proper acclimatization, which increases the risk of AMS. In contrast, the Alps have more gradual climbs, allowing for better acclimatization.

What is the recommended altitude gain per day to prevent AMS?

To prevent AMS, it is generally recommended not to climb more than 1,000 feet per day, especially above 8,000 feet. However, in the Indian and Nepal Himalayas, the rapid ascent between camps often results in altitude gains of 2,500 to 4,000 feet, which increases the risk of AMS.

What should a trekker do if they suspect they are developing AMS?

If a trekker suspects AMS, the first step is to alert their group or trek leader about the symptoms. Denial can lead to severe complications, so it is crucial to be open about any discomfort. Immediate attention and monitoring by others are critical in managing AMS effectively.

How quickly can AMS symptoms escalate?

AMS symptoms can escalate rapidly, sometimes within a few hours. This means that symptoms such as headache or dizziness can worsen quickly, especially towards the evening or night, making it more difficult to descend or get help.

What is the most important aspect of treating AMS?

The most important aspect of treating AMS is not denying the symptoms. Early recognition and alerting the trek leader or group members is essential. Descending to lower altitudes and providing rest are key treatment strategies. Timely intervention can prevent the condition from worsening into more severe forms like HACE or HAPE.