Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly, leading to reduced oxygen levels in your blood. This causes symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It results from your body struggling to adjust to the thinner air. Mild AMS can often be relieved with rest and hydration, but severe cases may progress to more serious conditions like high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary edema, which require immediate descent and medical attention. Proper acclimatization, gradual ascent, and awareness of symptoms are key to preventing AMS.