MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

Diseases related to decreasing oxygen availability at high altitude include: Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Headache, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or significant fatigue—symptoms that some may associate with a Saturday morning hangover.- these are also characteristic symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Acute Mountain Sickness indirectly poses a threat to your life, as if ignored, it can lead to High Altitude Cerebral Edema or Pulmonary Edema, and these conditions can quickly make you see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it won't be the tunnel under the Eiger.

Check if you have Acute Mountain Sickness using the Lake Louise AMS scale at least once a day during your expedition. Be honest!!! This is not just about your health but also about all expedition members, as your negligence should not subject them to the excitement of a rescue operation.

If you are at an altitude above 2500m above sea level, have a headache, and the total AMS score for other symptoms is 3 or more, it means you have Acute Mountain Sickness.

WHAT TO DO?

You are now prohibited from ascending higher for 12-24 hours.During this time, rest, take painkillers, anti-nausea medications, stay hydrated, and monitor your body. If symptoms subside within a day, you may continue your ascent; if not, I recommend descending 500-1000m. Spend 2-3 days at a lower altitude until your well-being returns. If descent is impossible and symptoms worsen, continue treatment and organize a rescue operation.

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WANT TO LEARNMORE?

If you want to better prepare health-wise for trekking or high-altitude expeditions, you can find an extended version of the guide in the ebook."High Altitude Medicine in Practice – A Guide for Trekking and Expeditions" >>

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You can also learn practical knowledge about emergency procedures in the mountains through the online training."High Altitude First Aid" >> - designed for people planning trips to high altitudes.

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Detailed contents of the expedition first aid kit and precise instructions for preparing an expedition first aid kit and personal rescue set can be found in the ebook."Expedition First Aid Kit – A Complete Medical Guide" >>

ARE YOU PLANNING A TREKOR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

If you want to check if your health allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, it is worth consulting.medical consultation >> ortelemedicine expedition package >>

This way, you can assess health risks in advance, prepare appropriately for the trip, and increase safety while at high altitude.

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 >>