Anyone who climbs to high altitude can get AMS. Why some people get it and others don't is unknown. Why someone suffers from it one time and not the next is also a big question mark. It is not related to your age, sex, physical fitness, or previous altitude experience. It is related to your genetic make up and your rate of ascent. The general rule for acclimatization above 10,000 ft. is not to gain more than 1,000 ft. per day and take a rest day every 3,000 ft. If you are sick at altitude there is a 99.9% chance it has something to do with elevation.
You expect certain physiological things to happen as you ascend. Your breathing will become faster and/or deeper i.e. you hyperventilate, you have shortness of breath climbing uphill, your night time breathing changes, you awaken frequently at night and you urinate more. You may develop a headache which can be relieved with aspirin. This is all normal. However, if you develop a headache not relieved with aspirin and some sleeplessness you should stay at the altitude you are at for a few days or descend. If you have a headache not relieved by aspirin and one or more of the following symptoms loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty sleeping you must descend immediately.
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