Altitude sickness

Overview

Severe forms affect the lungs (HAPE) or brain (HACE) and are emergencies.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Headache at high altitude
• Headache, nausea, or poor sleep at high altitude

Less common

• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Poor sleep

Look up a symptom: Dizziness · Headache · Headache, nausea, or poor sleep at high altitude · Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

Low oxygen.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Fast ascent

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by symptoms.

Treatment

Rest and acclimatize.

Self-care

• Don't go higher until better
• Drink water
• Avoid alcohol
• Go down if symptoms worsen

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

• Climb slowly

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Improves with rest.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should I take acetazolamide?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Altitude sickness