It is recommended that at high altitude any symptoms of headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or vomiting be assumed to be altitude sickness. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and is supported in those who have more than a minor reduction in activities. Risk factors include a prior episode of altitude sickness, a high degree of activity, and a rapid increase in elevation. Īltitude sickness typically occurs only above 2,500 metres (8,000 ft), though some are affected at lower altitudes. Chronic mountain sickness may occur after long-term exposure to high altitude. Acute mountain sickness can progress to high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) with associated shortness of breath or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) with associated confusion. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, confusion, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
People can respond to high altitude in different ways. Ibuprofen, acetazolamide, dexamethasone, oxygen therapy Īltitude sickness, the mildest form being acute mountain sickness ( AMS), is the harmful effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Prior episode, high degree of activity, rapid increase in elevation Įxhaustion, viral infection, hangover, dehydration, carbon monoxide poisoning ĭescent to lower altitude, sufficient fluids Headache, vomiting, feeling tired, trouble sleeping, dizziness Īcute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, high-altitude cerebral edema, chronic mountain sickness High-altitude sickness, altitude illness, hypobaropathy, altitude bends, soroche