Headache, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, and marked fatigue—symptoms some might jokingly associate with a bad morning after—are also classic signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

AMS is a potentially life-threatening condition. If ignored, it can progress to HACE or HAPE, both of which can rapidly become fatal.

SELF-ASSESSMENT: LAKE LOUISE AMS SCORE

Check yourself for AMS using the Lake Louise AMS Score at least once daily during your expedition—and be honest.This is not only about your health, but also about the safety of your entire team. Recklessness at altitude can put others at serious risk and trigger dangerous rescue operations.

If you are above 2,500 m, have a headache, and your total AMS score is 3 or higher, you are suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness.

WHAT TO DO

➤ Stop ascending immediately for 12–24 hours

➤ Rest, hydrate well

➤ Use pain relief and anti-nausea medication if needed

➤ Closely monitor your symptoms

If symptoms resolve within 24 hours, you may cautiously continue ascending.If symptoms get worse or persist, descend 500–1,000 m and remain at lower altitude for 2–3 days, until you feel fully recovered.

If descent is not possible and symptoms worsen, continue treatment and initiate a rescue plan immediately.

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

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Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

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For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

07 March 2026

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

Also checkStore regulations >> Implementation: ColinMedia.eu >>