| Home > Conditions / Ailments > High-Altitude Sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness / AMS> - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General High-Altitude Sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness / AMS Information
High-altitude sickness occurs when a person gets ill when visiting areas higher than 6,000 to 8,000 ft. above sea level. This condition usually strikes when a person who is not used to high-altitudes flies into a high-altitude city; drives to a high-altitude location; or hikes, skis or climbs in high mountains. Acclimatization is the process in which the body adjusts to the decreasing availability of oxygen. This is a slow process that may take a period of days or weeks. When a person who is not used to the thinner air of a high-altitiude location suddenly goes to a mountainous destination, high-altitude sickness can occur.
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As one ascends to higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases and every breath contains fewer and fewer molecules of oxygen, though the air still contains 21% oxygen. As the amount of oxygen decreases with each breath, the amount of oxygen in the blood declines, causing symptoms known as high-altitude sickness.
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Symptoms of high-altitude sickness include headache, breathlessness, increased heart rate, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, and swelling of the face, hands and feet. These symptoms usually occur within 48 hours of arriving at high altitude and are intensified with alcohol consumption. At extremely high altitudes, body fluid can leak into the brain or lungs, leading to serious or life threatening consequences.
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Never ascend to higher altitude if altitude sickness becomes a factor. Drink excessive amounts of water to avoid dehydration. Reduce physical activity to a level that can be tolerated without fatigue. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while in high-altitude locations. Taking antihistamines can helped reduce mild symptoms and improve sleeping at night. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should consult with their physician before going to high altitude. Never leave a person with high-altitude sickness alone. Many AMS sufferers do not realize how sick they are and may have difficulty descending without assistance.
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Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Alkaline Supplements help the body increase pH levels which enhances oxygen levels.
Gingko Biloba lessens the effects of high-altitude sickness.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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