Acute mountain sickness is likely to occur among skiers and hikers travelling to areas with high altitudes. The condition generally occurs at around 8,000 feet above sea level.
In most cases, the symptoms are relatively mild and rapidly heal. In rare instances, altitude sickness can be severe and lead to complications with the brain or the lungs.
What are the usual causes?
Areas with high altitudes have lower levels of oxygen and reduced air pressure. When travelling by plane, driving or hiking up a mountain or even skiing, the body does not have enough time to adjust which results to the condition.
The degree of exertion also has a role. Straining the body while hiking can trigger the condition as well.
Indications of acute mountain sickness
The symptoms typically arise within hours of moving to an area with high altitude. This tends to vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Mild
For mild cases, the following might be present:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Appetite loss
- Swollen hands, feet and face
- Shortness of breath during physical exertion
Severe
In severe cases, it can trigger more intense symptoms and can affect the lungs, heart, muscles and nervous system.
Some of the symptoms might include:
- Chest congestion
- Coughing
- Skin discoloration and pale complexion
- Inability to walk or poor balance
- Social withdrawal
Call for emergency assistance or seek medical attention right away if an individual is suspected with severe symptoms. Remember that the condition is easier to manage if dealt with as soon as possible before it becomes worse.
Management
The treatment for acute mountain sickness tends to vary based on its severity. The complications can be avoided by moving down to a lower altitude level.
Hospitalization is required if the doctor determines the presence of fluid in the lungs or brain swelling. Oxygen therapy might be started if the individual has breathing issues.
Medications
The medications for altitude sickness usually include:
- Blood pressure medications
- Acetazolamide which works by correcting the breathing issues
- Lung inhalers
- Aspirin to provide relief to the headaches
- Dexamethasone to reduce the swelling in the brain
Other treatment measures that can be done for mild cases include:
- Reduce the level of activity
- Move to a lower altitude level
- Rest for at least once day before moving to a higher altitude level
- Increasing the intake of water to maintain proper hydration
Many can recover from a mild case of acute mountain sickness once moving to a lower altitude level. The symptoms settle within hours but can take up to 2 days.
As for severe cases in which accessibility to immediate treatment is limited, the complications can lead to swelling in the lungs and brain, resulting to coma and death. Always remember to be always a step ahead when travelling to areas with high altitudes.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on acute mountain sickness is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage environmental emergencies by taking a standard first aid course with Saskatoon First Aid.