Altitude sickness: Symptoms, prevention and treatment

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, can pose a serious threat to individuals visiting high altitudes. It can occur when the body fails to adapt quickly enough to changes in oxygen levels and air pressure associated with elevations above 2500 meters. The cause of altitude sickness is the low oxygen content of the air, leading to a decrease in blood oxygen levels and resulting symptoms. The body requires time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels (acclimatize). In this blog post, we delve deeper into altitude sickness, including symptoms, preventive measures, and treatments.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms often occur several hours to a day after arrival at high altitude. The most common symptoms of mild altitude sickness include:

1. Headache: One of the first signs of altitude sickness is often a throbbing headache.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Many people also experience nausea and vomiting due to altitude sickness.
3. Dizziness and fatigue: You may feel dizzy and quickly become fatigued, even with minimal exertion.
4. Insomnia: It can be difficult to sleep at high altitudes, exacerbating fatigue.
5. Loss of appetite: Some people lose their appetite, which can lead to weight loss and reduced energy.

Mild altitude sickness can progress to severe altitude sickness. This is noticeable when increasing headaches do not respond to pain relievers, you experience increasing vomiting, apathy, confusion, balance problems, or shortness of breath that does not resolve with rest. You may become so lethargic that assistance is needed with eating or dressing.
Untreated altitude sickness can lead to fluid in the lungs and brain, with coma and death occurring in extreme cases.

Tips for preventing altitude sickness

1. Preventing altitude sickness begins with proper preparation and awareness. Some preventive measures include:
2. Gradual acclimatization: Take the time to acclimatize and ascend slowly to high altitudes. Try not to ascend more than 300-500 meters per night. Acclimate for at least 2 nights at moderate altitude (1500-2500m). If flying directly to 3000 meters or higher, spend a few days acclimatizing at this altitude. After ascending more than 500m, spend at least 2 nights at the same altitude.
3. Climb high, sleep low: Ascend to a higher point during the day than where you sleep at night.
4. Take it easy: Avoid heavy exertion during the first 2 days at altitude. Have a flexible travel schedule so you can rest for a few days in case of altitude sickness.
5. Hydration: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your urine should remain light and clear. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these substances can cause dehydration.
6. Nutrition: Eat easily digestible meals and avoid excessive fatty foods, which can disrupt digestion.
7. Medication: Some individuals may benefit from medications such as acetazolamide to prevent altitude sickness. Consult a doctor for appropriate advice. Almost everyone took Diamox (including us) during our treks in Peru, and it worked well. Diamox can be taken preventively or at the first signs of altitude sickness.

Treatment of altitude sickness

If you notice symptoms of altitude sickness, there are several steps you can take:

1. Stop ascending: If experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, immediately stop ascending and descend to a lower altitude.
2. Hydrate: Continue drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and alleviate symptoms.
3. Rest: Get adequate rest and avoid heavy exertion until symptoms improve.
4. Oxygen: In severe cases, additional oxygen may be necessary. In this case, descend immediately and seek medical help.