Many people get excited about going on a ski vacation, hiking trip, romantic mountain getaway, or any other excursion to a high-altitude location. But some develop health problems like shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea within a few hours of arriving at their destination. Sadly, these people are often unable to enjoy their trip because of their symptoms – and feel frustrated because their time and money were wasted.

This debilitating condition is called high-altitude illness because it develops only in places which are located substantially above the sea level. However, the symptoms associated with high-altitude illness usually subside when the person descends in altitude.

High-altitude illness can occur in anyone who is not accustomed to being at high elevations. It is common among people who go skiing, mountain climbing, or backpacking on vacation.

When ascending to a higher elevation, the air becomes thinner. At altitudes of 8000 feet and above, the body may have trouble getting oxygen from the air. People living in lower altitudes often find it very difficult to breathe in high altitudes because their bodies are not accustomed to functioning in low oxygen environments. High-altitude illness can be separated into three categories: acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). HAPE impacts the lungs, whereas HACE affects the brain.

A person affected by high-altitude illness may suffer from a headache, feel lightheaded, and have trouble falling asleep. Other possible symptoms include fatigue, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, coughing, dizziness, confusion, and lethargy. The individual’s hands, legs, and face may swell; and there could be bleeding spots in the retinas (which are known as retinal hemorrhages). In severe cases of high-altitude illness, the person might be unable to walk in a straight line or breathe without difficulty even while resting. However, all of these symptoms disappear when the person returns to a lower elevation.

Acute mountain sickness is the most common form of high-altitude illness. The onset of symptoms generally occurs within 6 to 10 hours after arriving at the higher elevation. The person often experiences lightheadedness, weakness, irritability, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sleeping problems.

High altitude pulmonary edema symptoms develop within 24 to 96 hours after ascent to a locale that is several thousand feet above sea level. Commons symptoms of HAPE include bloody sputum, fever, and bluish-colored nails, lips, or skin. The person may frequently gasp for breath or make a gurgling sound while breathing. These symptoms tend to worsen at night and can even be fatal in some cases.

High altitude cerebral edema is the most severe form of high-altitude illness. Early symptoms include severe headache, vomiting, confusion, and uncoordinated movements. However, the person’s condition may deteriorate rapidly, and he or she may lapse into a coma within a few hours and even die shortly thereafter.

High elevation locations are strongly discouraged for people with certain conditions. For instance, it is not considered safe for pregnant women to ascend above 8000 feet. Also, people with certain ailments may suffer from additional complications if they travel to high-altitude locations. These conditions include severe lung disease, severe heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, severe emphysema in the lungs, and sickle cell anemia. People with these diseases should consult a doctor before taking any trip to a high-altitude destination.

In addition, children are more likely to develop high-altitude illness than a healthy adult. Because their bodies are still growing, they may have difficulty adjusting to low-oxygen environments. Therefore, parents should be careful and watch out for symptoms of high-altitude illness, since children usually cannot recognize these symptoms on their own.

If the symptoms of high-altitude illness are severe, then the most effective measure is for the person to return to a lower elevation immediately. But if the symptoms are mild, then the individual should simply rest at the higher altitude for a period of time until the body can adjust itself. Under no circumstances should the person ignore the symptoms of high-altitude illness.

The medications most frequently prescribed for the severe symptoms of high-altitude illness are nifedipine and acetazolamide. Non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicines can be taken to relieve headaches. If the patient is experiencing acute shortness of breath, then oxygen must be administered.

Preventing high-altitude illness requires allowing the body to adjust to high elevations and the accompanying low oxygen levels. This adjustment can take several days; and the closer a person lives to sea level, the harder it is to get adjusted to higher altitudes.

People generally have little trouble adapting to environmental conditions below 8000 feet. But beyond that level, the person should climb no more than 1000 feet per day, and rest on the third or fourth day of consecutive ascent. Above 11,500 feet, the altitude-increasing interval shrinks to 500 feet per day, though the resting interval remains the same. Around 13,500 feet and above, it is essential to spend two nights at the same altitude for every 2000 feet climbed.

Being Comfortable at High Altitudes

There are some strategies to adopt to keep the body comfortable at high altitudes. It is a good idea to avoid physical strain on the day of arrival, and to eat small meals of easily-digestible foods more frequently throughout the day. Alcohol, sedatives, and caffeine should be completely avoided. While ascending, everyone must watch out for high-altitude illness symptoms in themselves and others, and act quickly if they appear. If all of the necessary precautions are taken, high-altitude illness can be minimized or avoided – and travelers can focus on enjoying their trip.