Two days ago, news broke about a 20 year old woman who died from supposedly "acute altitude sickness" in Colorado. The story can be found here. But we have to wonder if this is entirely correct. Here's what we know about her:
-She was young and otherwise healthy
-She began to experience symptoms at an elevation of less than 11,000 ft
-Once she began displaying symptoms, her condition deteriorated quickly
-She died in a matter of a few hours
Here's what we know about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
-She was young and otherwise healthy
-She began to experience symptoms at an elevation of less than 11,000 ft
-Once she began displaying symptoms, her condition deteriorated quickly
-She died in a matter of a few hours
Here's what we know about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Learn how to treat AMS here
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is an illness that can occur over elevations of 5,000 ft. (1,500 meters) in poorly acclimated or unhealthy individuals. Symptoms are very similar to that of the flu or common cold, with the absence of fever. Symptoms of AMS arise from hypoxia (low oxygen in the blood) caused by the decreased atmospheric oxygen pressure at high altitudes. With rest and supportive treatment, AMS usually resolves within 2 to 7 days.
What are the symptoms of AMS? Symptoms of AMS include headache plus one or more of the following:
What are the symptoms of AMS? Symptoms of AMS include headache plus one or more of the following:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
Treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness includes:
So from what know now, did this young woman really die of AMS? It seems unlikely. She most definitely was probably experiencing AMS, but AMS is benign, not lethal. However, it still does not feel great. When AMS progresses into something that can cause harm, then it is no longer AMS. Severe altitude illnesses include High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Let's briefly look into HACE.
- Descent
- Rest
- Hydration
- Over-the-Counter drugs (Ibuprofen or Tylenol)
So from what know now, did this young woman really die of AMS? It seems unlikely. She most definitely was probably experiencing AMS, but AMS is benign, not lethal. However, it still does not feel great. When AMS progresses into something that can cause harm, then it is no longer AMS. Severe altitude illnesses include High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Let's briefly look into HACE.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is fluid buildup and swelling (edema) of the brain. Edema of the brain increases intracranial pressure, causing life threatening damage. Hypoxia (low oxygen) and decreased atmospheric oxygen pressure are believed to be the cause of swelling within the brain at high altitude. Most cases of HACE occur at elevations above 12,000 ft (3,600 meters).
Signs and symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema include:
The best treatment for HACE is to descend, at least 1000m. Oxygen will help combat hypoxia and brain swelling. It is necessary for the treatment of HACE. However, the likelihood of an average backpacker or climber having access to an oxygen tank is nearly zero. Also, do not allow the patient to ascend higher.
Signs and symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema include:
- altered mentation
- ataxia (difficulty walking straight)
- behavior changes
- decreased responsiveness
- pupil abnormalities
- trouble making or using words
- seizures
The best treatment for HACE is to descend, at least 1000m. Oxygen will help combat hypoxia and brain swelling. It is necessary for the treatment of HACE. However, the likelihood of an average backpacker or climber having access to an oxygen tank is nearly zero. Also, do not allow the patient to ascend higher.
Click here to learn how to properly acclimatize at high altitude
Armed with all of this information, let's again look at our case here. With her symptoms and how quickly she deteriorated, it could have been HACE. Yes, she was at an altitude much lower than where HACE is typically experienced, but it is not unheard of. Some individuals have also been reported to develop HAPE as well at much lower altitude. It's rare, but a possibility.
The progression (or rather the degression) of her condition was so fast that it most certainly was not just simple AMS. If it was, she would have felt bad, would have vomited, but would not have lost consciousness and died.
We now have to think that her cause of death was either by a pervious/unknown/unrelated condition or cause. Or that it was a very rare and sad occurrence of HACE. Whatever it is, it was not AMS. Either way, this story is incredibly dreadful. Our heart and condolences goes out to this young woman's family and to her friends that were with her.
To learn more about high altitude illnesses including how to properly acclimate, watch this lecture from our online Outdoor Safety course. If you like it, consider signing up for the course to prepare yourself for whatever wilderness emergency is thrown your way.
The progression (or rather the degression) of her condition was so fast that it most certainly was not just simple AMS. If it was, she would have felt bad, would have vomited, but would not have lost consciousness and died.
We now have to think that her cause of death was either by a pervious/unknown/unrelated condition or cause. Or that it was a very rare and sad occurrence of HACE. Whatever it is, it was not AMS. Either way, this story is incredibly dreadful. Our heart and condolences goes out to this young woman's family and to her friends that were with her.
To learn more about high altitude illnesses including how to properly acclimate, watch this lecture from our online Outdoor Safety course. If you like it, consider signing up for the course to prepare yourself for whatever wilderness emergency is thrown your way.
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