Which of the following is a symptom of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a condition that can occur when individuals ascend to high altitudes rapidly without allowing their bodies sufficient time to acclimatize. One of the hallmark symptoms of AMS is a headache, which is often described as a pressing or throbbing pain. The onset of such headaches can be directly related to the decreased availability of oxygen at higher elevations, which impacts the brain and leads to discomfort.

While shortness of breath can occur at high altitudes due to lower oxygen levels, it is more related to physical exertion than specifically indicating AMS. Chest pain can arise from various conditions, including altitude-related issues, but it is not a primary symptom of AMS. High fever is typically associated with infections or other illness rather than AMS, which is primarily characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, headache is the most recognized and specific symptom of Acute Mountain Sickness.