AMS can be mild to life-threatening. Basically the lack of oxygen at high altitudes ( usually above 8000 feet) & capillary blood vessel leakage lead to fluid build-up in the brain & lungs. Thus, the symptoms are headache & shortness of breath respectively. Once the person experiences nausea, vomiting & unsteady gait, AMS is serious enough to demand an immediate rest & possible return to a lower altitude. This was what happened to one of the young people on our expedition.
This is one medical condition that you cannot predict 100% even if you are healthy. In past experience, AMS may actually befall fit, young men rather than older middle-aged women. Nevertheless, it is possible to take some sort of prophylaxis. These are just 3 of the common remedies :
- Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid
- Diamox or acetazolamide
- Ginkgo biloba nuts
We chose to take ginkgo biloba nuts (original brand Tanakan) 80mg twice a day for 5 days before & during the days of hiking / climbing. My wife felt only a mild headache when she reached Laban Rata which resolved with a single dose of Panadol 500mg while I felt fine while hiking the Nepenthes Trail at 6000 feet elevation.
