Assesment of Altitude Illness

When assessing the severity of AMS it is important to remember that not all signs and symptoms may be present.

Mild AMS

• Typically above 8,000 feet; onset is variable.
• Headache (‘hangover' feeling)
• Increased respiratory rate with shortness of breath during exercise.
• Insomnia due to decreased respiratory drive and associated hypoxia while sleeping.
• Decreased appetite often accompanied by nausea.

Moderate AMS

• Usually occurs at new altitudes above 10,000 feet; onset is variable.
• Severe headache (“migraine”)
• Episodes of vomiting are possible.
• Change in normal mental status to alert and irritable or alert and lethargic.
• Increased respiratory rate with shortness of breath during mild exertion.
• Rales or minor “crackling sounds” in the lungs.
• Increased fatigue.

Severe AMS: HACE/HAPE

• Usually occurs at new altitudes above 10,000 feet.
• Onset is variable; however, death may occur within 6 hours of developing signs and symptoms.
• Severe headache (“migraine”).
• Decrease in general coordination (ataxia).
• Lowered mental status: voice responsive, to pain responsive, to unresponsive.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Increased respiratory rate with shortness of breath at rest.
• Respiratory distress with a productive cough, rales crackling sounds), and/or gurgling.
• Extreme exhaustion.