Altitude sickness

Overview

Altitude sickness is a condition that can happen when you travel to a high altitude too quickly, without giving your body enough time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

Yes, altitude sickness is common among people who travel to high altitudes, such as hikers, skiers, and climbers.

It can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness, or health. People who ascend rapidly to heights above 2,500 meters are most at risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping

Symptoms in children

• Children may show similar symptoms but can have more trouble expressing how they feel. Look for irritability, loss of appetite, and refusal to play or walk.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may experience more severe symptoms and are at higher risk of complications. The same symptoms can appear but worsen more quickly.

Causes

Main causes

• Rapid ascent to high altitude (above 2,500 meters) without proper acclimatization
• Lower oxygen levels at high altitudes cause the body to struggle to get enough oxygen

Risk factors

• Rapid ascent (climbing too fast)
• Previous history of altitude sickness
• Living at low altitude and traveling to high altitude
• Exertion (physical activity) at altitude
• Dehydration or drinking alcohol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe headache, vomiting, confusion, or trouble breathing, seek immediate medical help – call your local emergency number.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild symptoms that do not improve with rest and not going higher, see a healthcare provider before continuing your ascent.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your recent travel to high altitude, your symptoms, and do a physical exam. They may use a pulse oximeter – a small clip that painlessly measures the oxygen level in your blood.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry to check blood oxygen levels
• Chest X-ray if fluid in the lungs is suspected
• Blood tests to check for signs of dehydration or other problems

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will assess your symptoms and help decide if you need to go to a lower altitude or need oxygen or other treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for altitude sickness focuses on increasing oxygen to your body and easing symptoms. The most effective treatment is to go down to a lower altitude.

Self-care at home

• Descend to a lower altitude immediately if symptoms are severe or getting worse
• Rest and avoid any further ascent
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol and sleeping pills

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include oxygen therapy, medications to help with headache and nausea, and in severe cases, a portable hyperbaric chamber. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication.

Living with this condition

If you plan to stay at a high altitude for a while, give your body time to adjust. Spend a few days at an intermediate altitude before going higher. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

Lifestyle tips

• Ascend slowly – no more than 300–500 meters (about 1,000–1,600 feet) per day above 2,500 meters
• Sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point you reached during the day
• Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours at a new altitude

Diet and exercise

Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals and avoid heavy, fatty foods. Stay active at a gentle pace – walking is fine. Pay attention to how you feel and rest before you feel exhausted.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling anxious about altitude sickness is normal. Anxiety can make symptoms feel worse. Take slow, deep breaths, and talk to a travel companion or a trusted person if you feel worried or scared.

Prevention

Yes, altitude sickness can often be prevented by ascending slowly, allowing time for your body to adjust (acclimatize). Staying well-hydrated and avoiding alcohol also help.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test, but you can talk to your doctor before traveling to high altitude to assess your personal risk and get advice.

Complications

If left untreated

• High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) – fluid builds up in the lungs, making it very hard to breathe
• High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) – swelling in the brain, causing confusion, clumsiness, and drowsiness
• Death in the most severe cases if not treated quickly

Long-term outlook

With prompt recognition and descent to a lower altitude, most people recover fully. Altitude sickness is usually reversible if treated early. Taking it seriously and acting quickly gives the best chance for a full recovery.

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