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Definition
Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndrome that affects
individuals who ascend above 2000m. This reversible condition results from
failed physiological adaptation to acute hypobaric hypoxia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mild to moderate AMS include
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Tachycardia
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms of severe AMS include
- Cough
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Cyanosis
- Hemoptysis
- Inability to walk in a straight
line
- Decreased consciousness
- Confusion
- Cerebral edema
Complications
Complications of AMS include pulmonary edema, coma, and
high altitude cerebral edema.
Traditional treatment
Treatment includes the following:
- Prevention
- Gradual ascent
- Stop for 1-2 days of rest
for each 2000 feet above 8000 feet
- Oxygen supplementation above
9840 feet
- Acetazolamide
(Diamox) 1 day before
ascent, and 1-2 days into
- Drinks lots of fluids, avoid
alcohol and caffeine, and eat regularly
- Descend to a lower altitude as
fast and safe as possible (Gold standard)
- Administration of oxygen
For cerebral edema,
treatment consists of dexamethasone.For pulmonary edema, treatment includes
oxygen, nifedipine, and in severe cases, mechanical ventilation.
Herbal treatment
Several studies have been conducted to
determine the effectiveness of ginkgo in treating AMS, including:
- The 1996 French
Study
- The 2000 Pike
Peak's Study
- The 2002 Hawaii
Study
- The 2004 PHAIT
Study
- The 2005 Ginkgo
vs. Acetazolamide Study
The research shows that Ginkgo is effective in treating AMS, but when
compared to Acetazolamide, it is not as effective. |
