Altitude Sickness

What is altitude sickness?

Often referred to as “Acute Mountain Sickness”, altitude sickness can occur if you walk or climb to a higher altitude too quickly. If you go above 2,500m above sea level, you can be at risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms develop between 6 and 24 hours after and can include:

headache
vomiting
dizziness
fatigue
shortness of breath
loss of appetite

If not treated, altitude sickness can lead to more severe symptoms.

Preventing Altitude Sickness

The key to preventing altitude sickness is gradual ascent with regular rest days. You can also take tablets to help prevent symptoms. These work best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Treating Mild Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

To treat symptoms, travellers should stop further ascent, rest, take painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol and anti-sickness medication if needed and descend if symptoms deteriorate or do not improve.

For more information on altitude sickness medication, please visit your local Day Lewis Pharmacy today.