Which symptom is NOT associated with acute mountain sickness?

• A. Nausea
• B. Sleep disturbance
• C. Weight increase
• D. Dyspnea

Answer: (C)

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a condition that occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes too quickly, without allowing their bodies to acclimatize properly. Symptoms associated with AMS typically include nausea, sleep disturbances, and dyspnea (difficulty breathing).

Nausea and vomiting are commonly reported as the body reacts to the lower levels of oxygen at high altitudes. Sleep disturbances can also manifest, as altitude affects sleep quality and patterns. Dyspnea may occur due to reduced oxygen availability, leading to an increased respiratory effort.

In contrast, weight increase is generally not a symptom of AMS. In fact, individuals suffering from AMS may experience a decrease in appetite and subsequent weight loss due to nausea. Accumulation of fluids, while a related concern in altitude sickness, typically leads to edema rather than weight gain in the context of acute symptoms. This makes weight increase an unlikely association with acute mountain sickness.