Often these early symptoms of AMS are mistaken for a hangover or a viral infection. The initial symptoms of AMS can be headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, pins-and-needles sensation, insomnia, swollen hands and feet, shortness of breath, and persistent rapid pulse… all made worse with exertion. Granite peak, the highest point in Montana, is 12,808 feet above sea level with 12.8% oxygen. Driving the Beartooth Highway puts you almost 11,000 feet above sea level and 13.7% oxygen. Climbing Sacajawea Peak takes you to 9,839 feet. At 8,000 feet, the probability of developing symptoms of AMS is one in five. It drops to 16.2% at West Yellowstone’s altitude of 6,600 feet, and AMS can start as low as 6,500 feet. Sea-level air has oxygen content of 20.9%. The higher we drive, hike, and climb, the less available oxygen there is, preventing normal function and causing damage. Oxygen is essential because we use it to generate most of the molecular energy we need to function. We can live weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without oxygen.
#Pins and needles in hands and feet from altitude how to#
Whether you’re a lifelong Montanan or here on vacation, it’s important to know the warning signs, how to deal with them, and what steps you can take to prevent AMS if you are traveling above 6,500 feet.
While AMS doesn’t conjure up as much fear as a grizzly encounter or lightning storm, it can be fatal if not addressed properly. What you need to know about altitude sickness.Īltitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is caused by lack of oxygen at higher elevations.
0 kommentar(er)
