Narcotics should be avoided because they may blunt the respiratory response, making it even more difficult for the person to breathe deeply and rapidly enough to compensate for the lower levels of oxygen in the environment. As for HAPE and HACE, the most important course of action is descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. If descent is not possible, oxygen therapy should be started. The prognosis for mild AMS is good, if appropriate measures are taken. As for HAPE and HACE, the prognosis depends upon the rapidity and distance of descent and the availability of medical intervention.
Descent often leads to improvement of symptoms, however, recovery times vary among individuals.
When individuals ascend from sea level, it is recommended that they spend at least one night at an intermediate altitude prior to ascending to higher elevations. In general, climbers should take at least two days to go from sea level to 8,000 feet. After reaching that point, healthy climbers should generally allow one day for each additional 2,000 feet, and one day of rest should be taken every two or three days. Should mild symptoms begin to surface, further ascent should be avoided. If the symptoms are severe, the individual should return to a lower altitude.