Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that affects people who climb or hike at high altitudes. It is caused by a lack of oxygen in the air, which can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms.
If you are planning to visit high altitude areas, you need to prepare yourself for altitude sickness. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the fastest ways to cure altitude sickness.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is a medical condition that occurs when you are exposed to high altitudes, where the air pressure is low, and there is less oxygen. It is a common problem for hikers, climbers, and travelers who go to high altitude regions without proper preparation. The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Altitude sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. When you climb to a high altitude, the air pressure decreases, and there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
What Causes Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen in the air at high altitudes. When you climb to a high altitude, the air pressure decreases, and there is less oxygen available to breathe. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
As you ascend to higher altitudes, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease. At an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, the oxygen level in the air is about 25% less than at sea level. When the oxygen level in your body drops, your body tries to compensate by increasing your breathing rate and heart rate. However, if you ascend too quickly, your body may not have enough time to adjust, leading to altitude sickness.
What Are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?
The symptoms of altitude sickness can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
- Headache: One of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness is a headache. It usually starts as a dull ache and can become more severe as you ascend to higher altitudes.
- Nausea: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of altitude sickness, especially if you have not acclimatized properly.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is a common symptom of altitude sickness. It can be especially dangerous if you are climbing or hiking on steep or unstable terrain.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is another common symptom of altitude sickness. You may feel like you can’t keep up with your normal pace, even on flat terrain.
- Shortness of breath: As the oxygen levels in your body drop, you may experience shortness of breath, especially when you are exerting yourself.
- Loss of appetite: Altitude sickness can cause a loss of appetite, making it difficult to eat or drink enough fluids.
- Difficulty sleeping: Many people experience difficulty sleeping at high altitudes, especially if they are not acclimatized.
In severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), which can be life-threatening.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness?
The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to acclimatize properly. Acclimatization is the process of allowing your body to adjust to the changes in altitude slowly. It is recommended that you ascend to high altitudes gradually, allowing your body time to adapt to the lower oxygen levels.
Here are some tips to help you acclimatize properly:
- Ascend slowly: It’s important to ascend slowly, especially when you reach altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). The rule of thumb is to ascend no more than 1,000 feet (305 meters) per day above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters).
- Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make altitude sickness worse.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can make altitude sickness worse, so it’s best to avoid them while you’re at high altitudes.
- Eat a high-carbohydrate diet: Eating a high-carbohydrate diet can help your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
- Consider medication: Medications like acetazolamide can help prevent altitude sickness, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
How to Treat Altitude Sickness?
If you do develop altitude sickness, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The fastest way to cure altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude where there is more oxygen. However, if you can’t descend immediately, there are some things you can do to alleviate your symptoms.
- Rest: Resting and taking it easy can help alleviate your symptoms. Avoid exerting yourself, especially if you have a headache or feel dizzy.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms like headache and nausea.
- Take pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate headaches and body aches.
- Use oxygen: If available, using supplemental oxygen can help alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness.
It’s important to note that while these treatments can help alleviate symptoms, they are not a substitute for descending to a lower altitude.
How Long Does Altitude Sickness Last?
The duration of altitude sickness can vary from person to person and depends on the severity of the symptoms. In most cases, mild symptoms will start to improve within 24-48 hours of descending to a lower altitude. However, in severe cases, it may take several days or even weeks for symptoms to fully resolve.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Altitude Sickness?
If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or do not improve. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- A severe headache that does not improve with pain relievers
- Shortness of breath, even when resting
- A cough that produces pink or frothy sputum
- Confusion or disorientation
- Difficulty walking or a lack of coordination
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
Can Altitude Sickness be Fatal?
In severe cases, altitude sickness can be life-threatening. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) are two potentially fatal complications of altitude sickness.
HACE occurs when there is fluid accumulation in the brain, causing symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and loss of consciousness. HAPE occurs when there is fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
Both HACE and HAPE require immediate medical attention, and the only way to treat them is to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.
Related: Does Ginger Help With Altitude Sickness?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can altitude sickness affect anyone?
Yes, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or fitness level. However, some people may be more susceptible to altitude sickness than others.
Q: How do I know if I’m at risk for altitude sickness?
If you’re planning a trip to a high altitude region, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of altitude sickness. Some factors that can increase your risk include:
- Going to an altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters)
- Ascending too quickly
- A history of altitude sickness
- A history of lung or heart problems
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Sleeping at a high altitude without proper acclimatization
Q: Can children get altitude sickness?
Yes, children can get altitude sickness. In fact, they may be more susceptible to it than adults. It’s important to monitor children closely for symptoms of altitude sickness and to seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms.
Q: Can I still exercise at high altitudes?
It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise until you’ve acclimatized to the altitude. Once you’ve acclimatized, you can gradually increase your activity level.
Q: Can altitude sickness be prevented?
Altitude sickness can be prevented by acclimatizing properly, ascending slowly, and staying hydrated. Medications like acetazolamide can also help prevent altitude sickness, but you should talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
Q: What is the difference between acute mountain sickness and altitude sickness?
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a type of altitude sickness that occurs at high altitudes. It is characterized by symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness. Altitude sickness is a broader term that includes AMS, as well as other types of altitude-related illnesses like high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
Q: Can I fly after being at high altitudes?
It’s generally safe to fly after being at high altitudes. However, if you have severe symptoms of altitude sickness, it’s best to wait until your symptoms have resolved before flying.
Q: Can altitude sickness occur in planes?
Altitude sickness is typically associated with high altitudes on land, but it can also occur in planes. However, the cabin pressure in commercial airplanes is usually equivalent to an altitude of 6,000 to 8,000 feet (1,800 to 2,400 meters), which is generally considered safe for most people. If you have concerns about altitude sickness while flying, talk to your doctor before your flight.
Conclusion
Altitude sickness is a common problem for hikers, climbers, and travelers who go to high altitude regions without proper preparation. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to acclimatize properly by ascending slowly and staying hydrated. If you do develop altitude sickness, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and to descend to a lower altitude where there is more oxygen.
Remember, altitude sickness can be life-threatening in severe cases, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or do not improve.