The Three Altitude Illnesses
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): Mild to moderate. Headache, nausea, fatigue. The most common form.
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema): Severe AMS. Brain swelling. Medical emergency requiring immediate descent.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema): Fluid in lungs. Most common cause of altitude death. Descend immediately.
The Lake Louise Score
Score your symptoms: Headache (0-3), GI symptoms (0-3), Fatigue (0-3), Dizziness (0-3). Score β₯3 with headache = AMS.
Treatment Protocol
- Stop ascending immediately
- Rest at same altitude
- If symptoms worsen β DESCEND
- Supplemental oxygen if available
- Gamow bag in emergencies