11
votes
Accepted
Can you pre-identify the risk of severe Altitude sickness?
I could not find evidence of an existing test and there is no widely accepting known cause. The only risk factor commonly noted is having been previously affected by AMS. Other mentioned risk factors ...
- 21.7k
9
votes
Accepted
Is acute mountain sickness repeatable?
Yes, he can get it again and in fact people with a history of altitude sickness have a higher risk of getting it again.
Risk factors for altitude illness include rapid ascent, strenuous physical ...
- 69.2k
7
votes
What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?
Here is a reliable medical source of the causes, symptoms and advised medical responses for altitude sickness of varying degrees. Cleveland Clinic - Altitude Sickness information
Altitude Sickness ...
- 1,172
7
votes
Case example on Altitude Mountain Sickness: How to detect and react properly?
I guess one of the central concerns with AMS is that you can never know when it hits you. You can prepare, acclimatize and try to avoid all the stupid mistakes - but even under perfect conditions, and ...
- 12.8k
7
votes
Accepted
Can overexertion cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?
By 'faint' you mean the person lost consciousness or was it just weakness? I was in a similar position but not that severe. I was in the wrong assumption that I was acclimatizing fine because I was ...
- 12.2k
6
votes
Accepted
How do you distinguish mild altitude sickness from mere exhaustion?
The single most obvious indicator is going to be looking at your SpO2 level. If you oxygen saturation is low it is a good indication you are experiencing altitude sickness. The easiest way is with a ...
- 4,043
5
votes
Can overexertion cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the name for a group of conditions that arise from the affects of altitude on the body. (source) The time for these conditions to develop varies and are influenced by ...
- 51
5
votes
Case example on Altitude Mountain Sickness: How to detect and react properly?
As a speculation, you may have a ceiling of about 16,500 feet. This speculation is reinforced by your starting to feel stronger as you passed 16,500 on the way down. Was this the first time you ...
- 23.4k
5
votes
How do you diagnose severe altitude illness?
As a general rule: Assume acute mountain sickness (AMS) unless proven otherwise. AMS is potentially life threatening, so if you have symptoms related to AMS, do not ascend any further. If they do not ...
- 21.7k
4
votes
A little bit of acclimatisation or no acclimatisation at all?
There isn't much difference in the two "acclimatization" options. In neither option do you get more than a start on acclimatization. In both options, you serve notice on your body to get ready.
...
- 23.4k
1
vote
How do you distinguish mild altitude sickness from mere exhaustion?
It sounds a lot like exertion, and the reduction in partial pressure of oxygen could easily have contributed, without meaning you were ill.
At this sort of altitude (7000ft/2000-2500m) you're getting ...
- 26.1k
1
vote
How do you distinguish mild altitude sickness from mere exhaustion?
An easy way to tell is simply that your elevation was not high enough to cause even mild altitude sickness. The cabin of a passenger jet has an air pressure equivalent to about 8000 ft of altitude, so ...
- 41
1
vote
Does low blood pressure have an effect on Acute Mountain Sickness?
I have low blood pressure, 90/60 read to me just one week prior to going mountain hiking in Palm Springs California (8,500 ft. elevation). I did not experience the tiredness or lack of oxygen I ...
- 19
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