High Altitude Sickness (AMS) has been know to strike some persons in elevations of 3000 m / 9840 ft upwards. In higher elevations, the air is reduced and until you become acclimatized, your blood does not absorb oxygen as it does in lower altitudes. 

On reaching higher elevations, some people experience a pounding heart change and shortness of breath, headaches (sometimes severe), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, lassitude, puffing and a charge in breathing patterns.

AMS can be especially dangerous for people with a history of heart, lung or blood disease (severe symptoms, while very rare, include a persistent cough, blue lips and frothing at the mouth).

In order to prevent AMS, you should:

• Drink large amounts of water (be sure to start drinking water before you arrive at your destination)
• Do not rush
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke
• Do not take sedatives, and
• Get as much rest as necessary.
  

Symptomsof high altitude sickness usually go away in a day or two, but if in doubt, seek medical help.

Dr. Eber Orellana
Ph. 70659743, 2422342, 2422332