Traveling to a high-altitude destination? Whether you’re embarking on a bucket-list trek like the Inca Trail or Everest Base Camp, skiing the Swiss Alps, or simply playing tourist in a beautiful alpine town, you may be at risk of altitude sickness.

This condition can affect anyone, not just extreme athletes or adventurers, and can start manifesting at elevations as low as 5,000 ft. The severity can range from mild breathlessness to potentially life-threatening conditions. The key to preventing altitude sickness during your travels lies in understanding how to acclimatize, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to seek help.

Understanding AItitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is a condition triggered by the low oxygen levels found at high altitudes. As the air gets thinner, each breath you take contains less oxygen, which can cause your body to react differently. It’s a common issue among travelers and mountain climbers who ascend to high-elevation destinations too quickly, not allowing their bodies enough time to adjust. The process typically starts at around 5,000 feet, and as you ascend higher, the chances of experiencing altitude sickness increase.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild dizziness, exhaustion, and headache to more severe effects and medical emergencies. It’s crucial to be aware of the common symptoms of altitude sickness and recognize when you need to take serious action. Symptoms of mild or short-term altitude sickness usually begin within 12 to 24 hours after arrival at a destination and can include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dry cough, loss of appetite, loss of energy, and sleep problems. If symptoms are not addressed, acute mountain sickness can develop into a more serious condition which may include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and worsening shortness of breath.

Preventing Altitude Sickness

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is by giving your body time to acclimatize, but there are many other things you can do along the way to lessen the impact of symptoms. If you’re traveling to altitudes higher than 8000 feet, try to spend a night at a medium altitude and head to a higher elevation the next day. Avoid flying into high-altitude cities. If this isn’t possible, avoid large meals, alcohol, and being very active after you arrive. Rest and drink plenty of liquids. Build rest days into your itinerary before you start exercising. For example, if you fly to Cusco, Peru to hike the Inca Trail, plan to arrive 2-3 days before the start of your trek to acclimatize in the city before traveling to the mountains.

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

If you start to experience any signs of altitude sickness, the best thing to do is to act quickly. Seek medical help as soon as possible. If possible, descend to a lower elevation until symptoms improve before continuing with your hike or other activity. The more serious the symptoms, the lower you should descend. In some cases, it may be necessary to descend back to the starting point. In addition, you must take some time to rest and try to stay hydrated. It may also be helpful to take an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for headaches, nausea, and other minor altitude sickness symptoms. Finally, be sure to keep an eye on your symptoms and let your companions know if they worsen.

Conclusion

Altitude sickness can be a very serious condition, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to prevent it before it becomes a problem. Taking the time to plan ahead and prepare accordingly can help you avoid mountain sickness altogether and ensure that you are able to enjoy your outdoor activities safely.