AMS: Acute Mountain Sickness

Hiking in higher altitudes of 8000 feet or more means that you may encounter an adverse condition called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This is because the conditions in these levels offer lower oxygen content and atmospheric pressure differences than on sea level. Symptoms include headache, gastro-intestinal disorders, and even loss of breathing for periods of a few seconds. Avoid AMS by giving your bady time to aclimate to the higher altitudes. Do not exert too much energy when climbing. The higher you go, the easier you need to be on yourself. Also, bring plenty of water and sip it along the way.