Altitude Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The body must acclimatize to high elevations (above 6,000 to 8,000 feet) where less oxygen is available. When you rise in altitude faster than this adjustment can take place, the body might respond to lack of oxygen with dizziness, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, coughing, or rubbery legs. If symptoms are ignored, fluid can reach the lungs or the brain, and can result in unconsciousness--or worse, in death. If any of the above symptoms are experienced, refrain from strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, and descend in altitude until symptoms diminish.

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