Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

The Cause

High altitude holidays are increasingly popular. In South America they include crossing Andean passes often above 4000 metres. Trekkers in the Himalayas, especially in Nepal, often reach similar heights. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Kenya are both more than 5000 metres.

Only those healthy and trained should attempt such expeditions, and if in doubt medical advice should be taken. All including the physically fit can get acute mountain sickness during rapid ascent if staying for more than 12 hours above 2500 metres. It affects all ages including children when the symptoms may be more difficult to recognise.

The altitude difference undergone in 24 hours is the determining factor. From 3000 metres and higher, the risk increases when the altitude difference between encampments exceeds 300 metres.

Definitions

  • High Altitude: 2400m to 3658m
    e.g. Cochabamba in Bolivia = 2550m. Bogota in Columbia = 2645m. Quito in Ecuador = 2879m. Cuzco in Peru = 3225m
  • Very High Altitude: 3658m to 5500m
    La Paz in Bolivia = 3658m. Lhasa in Tibet, China = 3685m. Base camps of Everest in Nepal = 5500m
  • Extreme Altitude: 5500m to 8848m
    e.g. the summit of Mount Everest

Signs of Mountain Sickness

Early signs of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia. If vertigo, vomiting, apathy, staggering and breathlessness occur, immediate accompanied descent is essential. Failing to descend may be fatal.

Prevention

Avoid ascents of greater than 300 metres per day if starting from above 3000 metres. If early signs of mountain sickness appear, rest for a day at the same altitude. If they persist or increase, descend at least 500 metres.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used to help prevent mountain sickness when a gradual ascent cannot be guaranteed. It should NOT be used as an alternative to a gradual ascent. It acts on acid-base balance and stimulates respiration. It should be combined with a good fluid intake. It should not normally be used in young children except under close medical supervision.

Dose: 125 mg to 250mg twice daily for adults. It should be started 24 hours before ascent and discontinued after 2 days at maximum sleeping altitude.

Treatment

Initially simple analgesia (e.g. ibuprofen) for headaches. Sleeping pills should be avoided if possible.

Acute Mountain Sickness with Cerebral Oedema

  • Immediate evacuation or descent at least 1000 metres; oxygen if available.
  • Dexamethasone (12-20 mg daily) or Prednisolone (40 mg daily)
  • Acetazolamide 250 mg orally within 24 hours of onset of symptoms and 250mg orally 8 hours later.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema

  • Immediate evacuation or descent. If symptoms are acute and/or descent is impossible or delayed consider Nifedipine (20mg tds).

Further Information

Academic Unit of Respiratory Medicine

  • A High Altitude Resource: http://www.altitude.org/
  • This website is written by UK doctors and aims to provide information about high altitude and its effects on the body.
  • It contains several useful interactive altitude calculators and detailed tutorials about altitude sickness.
  • It also allows individuals who may have had severe respiratory problems at altitude to register on a research database.

The British Mountaineering Council

  • Address: 177-179 Burton Road, Manchester M20 2BB
  • Telephone: 0870 010 4848
  • Fax: 0161 445 4500
  • Website: http://www.thebmc.co.uk/
  • For information sheets available to Doctors, Climbers and Trekkers

Travel at High Altitude Information Booklet