15111 Altitude Sickness

Overview

Altitude sickness is a condition that can happen when you travel to high altitudes, usually above 2,400 meters (about 8,000 feet), faster than your body can get used to the lower oxygen levels. It is also called acute mountain sickness. Most cases are mild, but it can become serious and needs attention.

Altitude sickness is fairly common among people who travel to mountain areas above 2,400 meters, such as trekkers, skiers, and climbers. The risk increases the higher and faster you go.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health. You are more likely to get it if you climb too quickly, sleep at high altitude, or have had it before.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Feeling tired or weak
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping

Symptoms in children

• Children can have the same common symptoms as adults, but they may also seem unusually fussy, sleepy, or lose interest in eating.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may feel the same symptoms, but they might also confuse altitude sickness with a usual health condition. If you are an older adult and have heart or lung problems, you should be extra cautious at high altitude.

Causes

Main causes

• Going to a high altitude too quickly, not giving the body time to get used to less oxygen
• Sleeping at an altitude that is much higher than what you are used to
• Doing heavy exercise soon after arriving at altitude

Risk factors

• Climbing or traveling to heights above 2,400 meters (about 8,000 feet)
• Going up more than 500 meters (about 1,600 feet) per day above 2,400 meters
• Previous history of altitude sickness
• Living at a low altitude and traveling directly to a high place
• Dehydration or not drinking enough fluids
• Alcohol or sleeping pills, which can affect breathing and make symptoms worse

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms such as confusion, difficulty breathing, or loss of coordination, call your local emergency number right away.
• If you are at high altitude and your symptoms are getting worse despite resting and drinking water, seek medical care the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a headache, nausea, or tiredness that lasts more than a day at altitude, it is wise to see a healthcare provider.
• If you plan to go to a very high altitude and have a health condition such as heart or lung disease, talk to your doctor before traveling.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will diagnose altitude sickness by asking about your recent travel and symptoms. You may also have a physical exam to check for signs like a fast pulse, low oxygen levels, or chest sounds.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry – a small clip on your finger to measure oxygen in your blood
• Blood pressure and pulse check
• If breathing problems are suspected, a chest X-ray may be done

What to expect at your appointment

The healthcare provider will ask how high you are and how quickly you went up. You might not need any special tests if your symptoms are mild and improve with rest and water.

Treatment

The main treatment for altitude sickness is to stop going any higher, rest, and let your body adjust. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, the most reliable treatment is to go down to a lower altitude as soon as possible.

Self-care at home

• Stop climbing and rest at the same altitude until you feel better.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills, because they can slow breathing.
• Take simple pain relievers for headache if you know they are safe for you – always ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider first.
• If symptoms get worse, go down at least 500 to 1,000 meters (about 1,600 to 3,300 feet) as soon as possible.

Medical treatments

In a medical setting, treatments may include breathing in extra oxygen, or medicines to help reduce symptoms and help the body adjust. No specific drug names or doses are recommended here – always follow the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not part of the treatment for altitude sickness.

Living with this condition

If you have mild altitude sickness, avoid going higher until your symptoms completely go away. Listen to your body – rest, keep warm, and drink enough fluids. Do not push yourself.

Lifestyle tips

• Climb slowly and plan rest days to let your body adjust.
• Sleep at a lower altitude and hike higher during the day if possible.
• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes at high altitude.
• Tell your travel companions if you feel unwell so they can help you.

Diet and exercise

Eat light meals that are easy to digest, and drink extra water. Avoid heavy exercise until you feel fully fine. If you are tired, rest rather than overdoing it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling anxious or panicky can make symptoms feel worse. It is normal to be worried if you feel unwell, but try to stay calm. Deep breathing and reassurance from others can help you think clearly about what to do next.

Prevention

Yes, you can greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness by going up slowly, taking rest days, and staying well hydrated. Avoid sleeping at a new altitude that is much higher than where you slept the night before.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine against altitude sickness.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test. Your doctor can help you assess your risk if you have health conditions or are planning a very high-altitude trip.

Complications

If left untreated

• High altitude cerebral edema – swelling in the brain, which can cause confusion, clumsiness, and unconsciousness.
• High altitude pulmonary edema – fluid in the lungs, which can cause severe breathlessness and a bubbly cough.
• These conditions are rare but can be life-threatening if you do not go down to a lower altitude and get emergency medical help.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good when altitude sickness is caught early and you rest or go down. Most people feel better within hours to a day after going to a lower altitude. With careful planning and slow climbs, most people can enjoy high places safely.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.