Sunday, August 29, 2010

Altitude sickness - the worst kind

"With severe AMS, on the other hand, there will be no debate about whether or not to continue: if anybody is showing symptoms of severe AMS it is imperative that they descend immediately. These symptoms include a lack of coordination and balance, a symptom known as ataxia. Other symptoms of severe AMS include mental confusion, slurred or incoherent speech, and an inability to stay awake. There may also be a gurgling, liquid sound in the lungs combined with a persistent watery cough which may produce a clear liquid, a pinky phlegm or possibly even blood. There may also be a marked blueness around the face and lips, and a heartbeat that, even at rest, may be over 130 beats per minute."
Henry Stedman

That sounds nasty. I hope it doesn't happen to any of us.