What underlying factor can contribute to altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), primarily occurs as a result of the body struggling to acclimate to reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. As altitude increases, the atmospheric pressure drops, leading to lower oxygen availability. Individuals who may be more susceptible to altitude sickness often have certain physiological characteristics, such as variations in how their bodies respond to decreased oxygen levels.

Those who exhibit individual susceptibility can experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue when exposed to these lower oxygen environments. This susceptibility can vary widely from person to person, influenced by factors such as genetic predisposition, overall health, and previous altitude experience. While other factors, such as stress levels or activity level at altitude, can influence the severity of symptoms, the core issue of altitude sickness stems from the body's ability—or inability—to effectively manage the change in oxygen availability as altitude increases.