How to Prevent Altitude Sickness – minimize your risk at high altitudes by applying the tips outlined below.

Altitude sickness and its life-threatening sequelae, high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema, is caused by a rapid ascent to higher altitudes where oxygen levels are reduced. Travelers are most likely to experience this when visiting destinations in the Andes, Himalayas and perhaps even the Rockies.

If your vacation is likely to include a high altitude destination, you should visit a travel medicine clinic before departure and minimize your risk.

The information below is an overview and is no substitute for a visit to the doctor.

Alternate Names for Altitude Sickness

• Acute mountain sickness

• Altitude illness

• hypobaropathy

• Soroche





Acute Mountain Sickness can progress to:

• High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) – potentially fatal

• High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) ¬– potentially fatal



Other Potential Problems at Higher Altitudes:

• Dehydration – higher breathing rates mean more water is lost.



Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness

Headache is common to both Acute Mountain Sickness and dehydration. Headache combined with one or more of the following symptoms likely indicates Acute Mountain Sickness:

• Lack/loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Insomnia

• Tingling in fingers, nose and face

• Shortness of breath with exertion

• Persistently rapid pulse

• Drowsiness

• Malaise

• Swollen hands, feet and face

• Reduced urine output


Symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

• Persistent dry cough

• Fever

• Shortness of breath at rest

• Blue face, lips, fingernails (cyanosis)


Symptoms of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

• Headache that is not relieved by analgesics

• Unsteady gait

• Increased vomiting

• Irritable

• Gradual loss of consciousness

Preventing Acute Mountain Sickness

• Visit the travel medicine clinic before departing on your vacation to determine if you are fit for high altitudes.

• Travel with a companion

• Ascend slowly and acclimatize to the altitude

• No strenuous activities for 24 hours

• Drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day.

• Avoid alcohol consumption

• Avoid smoking

• Prescriptions for Acetazolamide (Diamox) and/or Dexamethasone.


Treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness

• Tea made from coca leaves. Note that cocaine is produced from coca leaves. While it is legal and culturally acceptable to possess coca leaves in some Andean countries, you are subject to arrest and prosecution if you bring these leaves back home with you.

• Acetazolamide can alleviate symptoms; Dexamethasone can reduce symptoms

• Ibuprofen for headaches

• Descend to a lower altitude immediately especially if there are symptoms/signs of HACE and HAPE.

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