Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes.

It happens most often when people who are not used to high altitudes go quickly from lower altitudes to 8,000 ft or higher. When you go too high too fast, your body cannot adjust.

Altitude sickness can range from mild to life-threatening. With good planning, such as ascending slowly or taking certain medicines, it is often preventable.

The symptoms of altitude sickness may be mild to severe. Symptoms may include:

• A headache, which may get worse during the night and when you wake up.
• Weakness.
• Feeling sick to your stomach. You may vomit.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Being confused.
• Breathing problems.

When altitude sickness is severe, it may be deadly.

Your symptoms may not start until a day after you have been at a high altitude. Many people say altitude sickness feels like having a hangover.

If you are at a high altitude, your doctor may think you have this condition. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine you. To rule out other conditions, your doctor may ask if you have been drinking fluids or alcohol or using any medicines, or if you have a cold or the flu.

If you are hiking or camping, you and those with you need to know the symptoms of altitude sickness. People often mistake altitude sickness for the flu, a hangover, or dehydration. As a rule, consider your symptoms to be altitude sickness unless you can prove they are not.

Treatment for altitude sickness includes going to a lower altitude if possible. If your symptoms are mild, you might be able to stay where you are until your body adjusts. If you stay at a high altitude, rest and limit your activity. You can take over-the-counter pain medicine or medicine for nausea and vomiting. Don't go higher until you feel better.

If your symptoms are more severe or if rest doesn't help, more treatment is needed. This includes going to a lower altitude. It also includes oxygen or using a special pressure chamber to treat altitude sickness. You may get other medicines to help with your symptoms. An example is dexamethasone.

If you don't have access to oxygen or medicines to help symptoms, go to a lower altitude. If you have severe symptoms, such as being confused or having trouble walking or breathing, go lower as fast as you safely can or get emergency help. If someone with you has severe symptoms and needs to go lower, go with the person. Never let someone with severe altitude sickness go down alone.

Going to a lower altitude can help you feel better. If you stay at a high altitude, rest, and don't go any higher. Limit any walking or activity. Avoid alcohol. Try an over-the-counter pain medicine if you have a headache. Take these and any medicines prescribed by your doctor as instructed.