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AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is an illness that affects hikers and mountaineers who venture to high altitudes, caused by the body's inability to adapt to high altitudes.
It is a more or less severe (depending on the case) form of hypoxia, i.e. lack of circulating oxygen in the blood, due to the rarefaction of the air and the decrease in atmospheric pressure as one ascends in altitude. The peculiarity is that it does not depend on age or physical fitness: it can affect anyone, from the elderly to the young, experienced mountaineer - certainly those unaccustomed to the mountains or living at low altitudes are more exposed, but it is not a particularly decisive factor.
Mountain sickness can strike at any altitude. Although it is very rare below 2,500 metres above sea level, it becomes more common than one would think when one starts to reach 3,000 metres and above - especially when the change in altitude is very large and fast (e.g. ascending by ski lift, reaching a refuge by transport, taking a flight to high-altitude tourist sites).
You have to be very careful about altitude sickness, and know what to do even at the first symptoms: underestimating the situation could lead to very serious risks!
Symptoms
The mildest (and most common) symptoms of altitude sickness are very similar to those of a hangover:
general malaise
headaches
dizziness
fatigue
tiredness
lack of appetite.
As we have already said, it is very important not to underestimate even the mildest symptoms, and to take action from the very first signs: if left untreated, they can worsen considerably.
Caution: symptoms do not appear immediately, but between 6 and 24 hours after reaching high altitudes and can last up to 3 days!
How to prevent
There are no certain methods to avoid altitude sickness, but there are a number of small, useful measures that can be taken:
drink plenty of water
avoid alcohol and smoking (both impair blood vessel dilation and circulation)
eat good doses of carbohydrates (they allow slow-release energy to be stored).
The most effective way to prevent altitude sickness is in any case to ascend gradually, even 'losing' time if necessary, but avoiding surges that are too violent for the body.
If you have already suffered from it, or if you have respiratory, circulatory or heart problems, consult a doctor before departure: he or she will be able to give you the best advice and, if necessary, prescribe specific medicines to avoid any inconveniences.
How to treat
As soon as you recognise any symptoms, even slight ones, immediately stop climbing: if they are mild, rest and wait for them to pass on their own (it can take up to three days); if they become more intense, descend to the valley and seek medical help in the nearest accessible place.
In some particularly severe cases, which are very rare, altitude sickness can also lead to pulmonary oedema or cerebral oedema: it cannot be prevented for certain, but it is very very important not to underestimate any symptoms or warnings - paying attention to even the smallest details can really make the difference.
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