What is AMS and How you can you prevent it.

There are several habits which we trekkers tend to follow the same while trekking as they follow in cities, but there are some of them which you should avoid in the mountains. 

As we ascend the mountain, the availability of oxygen and the air pressure decreases therefore, the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) increase, which a lot of trekkers face.

Fig9.1 Mountain at a height of 9000ft.

AMS is the health effect of high altitude, caused by the rapid exposure of the low amount of oxygen.

Difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and vomiting are some of the symptoms of altitude sickness. 

Here are some tips on how you can avoid altitude sickness while you are on a hike or a trek:

Precautions to be taken while climbing: 

1)Climb Slowly

When you go from lower to higher altitude your body requires time to adjust to the changes. When you are trekking you tend to cover more altitude in less time.

So, for preventing altitude sickness take few stops at lower elevations before reaching the destination. Avoid trekking more than 3000ft. in one day.

2)Keep your body hydrated

When you trek at higher altitudes the temperature tends to fall below 0degrees and your body starts to dehydrate fast that's why trekkers should keep them properly hydrated while climbing. 

you should drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to maintain water balance in the body and avoid any type of muscle cramps or injuries.

3)Exercise before going on a trek or hike

preparing your body before going for a trek or a hike is a must as while living in cities and going on a 9 to 5 job we don't get much time to work out or do any kind of exercise. So, always prepare your body before getting on a trek otherwise you will end up having body pain for at least 2-3 days or even a week. 

So, you must start jogging and stretching your muscles for at least 2 weeks before your trip

4)Take proper medication 

While you are up the mountain, the climate changes unexpectedly and you never know when it's going to rain or when it's going to snow so there are chances your body may not adapt to these changes suddenly and you may not feel well. Therefore, keeping common medications with yourself is a must and is a savior in many situations. And there are some of the common medicines which you should carry with yourself when you travel.
Adding to this Diamox is a very helpful medication in cases of AMS.
Diamox is a diuretic. It helps speed up acclimatization. To present it in an easy way this medicine helps to maintain your body performance across a range of environmental condition

Fig 9.2 Some basic medicines to take while travelling.

Now, these are the things to be taken care of to prevent AMS but there are some things which trekkers tend to make or they tend to neglect but they should be avoided as much as they can.

Things to avoid while climbing or up the mountain

1)Never overstress your body 

 Avoid overstressing your body in the mountains and try to cover large altitude in a short time as your body takes some time to adapt to high altitude otherwise covering high altitude rapidly will make you prone to AMS

and rather enjoying your trek you will end up ill.

So, instead, take rests stops to enjoy the motherly earth and allow your body to adapt to high altitude.

2)Avoid Smoking

Smoking is very dangerous to your health be it in mountains or plains. It decreases the amount of oxygen you can inhale. Hence, short of breath and increased heartbeat are very common factors. 

That's why avoiding smoking in the mountains is the best way to enjoy your trek or hike to the fullest.

3)Avoid Drinking

Consuming alcohol in the mountains is bad for health and its very dangerous. Losing control over your mind up the hill is not a great thing but an invitation to an uncalled mishap.

Also, it makes your AMS even worse. So, please avoid consuming alcohol in the mountains and enjoy nature by heart.

AMS is not common but negligence can make you prone to it.

Take proper care of yourself while you are in the mountains and you can surely avoid it.

So, be safe and trek safe 

Happy Wandering ☺️