About Altitude Sickness
The main cause of altitude sickness is a decrease in the amount of oxygen available at higher altitudes. This decrease in oxygen can lead to various symptoms and complications.
Non-modifiable risk factors for altitude sickness cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Lack of previous exposure to high altitudes
- Personal susceptibility to altitude illness
- Genetic factors that contribute to an individual's susceptibility to altitude sickness
Modifiable risk factors for altitude sickness can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Quickly going to high altitudes without allowing time to adjust
- Physical activity at high altitudes
- Dehydration
- Alcohol or drug use at high altitudes
It is important to note that while these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing altitude sickness, they do not mean it will definitely happen. It is recommended to slowly move to higher altitudes, drink plenty of water, and give your body time to adjust. If you plan on traveling to high altitudes, it is always best to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and recommendations.
The most common early symptoms of altitude sickness include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rapid pulse or heartbeat
As altitude sickness progresses or becomes more severe, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Confusion
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Decreased consciousness
- Paleness or blue skin discoloration due to lack of oxygen
Without supplemental (extra) oxygen, altitude sickness can lead to dangerous conditions such as swelling in the brain (high-altitude cerebral edema - HACE) or fluid in the lungs (high-altitude pulmonary edema - HAPE).
It's important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, blood pressure, lung capacity, how quickly you go to higher altitudes, and how long you stay there. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Remember to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
To diagnose altitude sickness, healthcare providers commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: Your healthcare provider will gather information about your symptoms, activities, and recent travels.
- Symptom description: You will be asked to describe your symptoms in detail.
- Physical exam: They may check your eyes, test how well your brain and muscles are working, and use a stethoscope to listen for fluid in your lungs.
- Chest X-ray: This imaging study can help determine if there is fluid in your lungs.
- Pulse oximetry: This will check the oxygen levels in your blood.
- CT (computed tomography) scan: To check for swelling in the brain in serious cases of altitude sickness, like high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or change after the initial examination. They may recommend further tests or procedures based on your individual situation. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The goals of treatment for altitude sickness are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and help the body adjust to the higher altitude. Here are the different types of treatments and how they work to achieve these goals:
- Medications:
- Acetazolamide: Helps to reduce factors that cause swelling in the brain and eliminate fluid
- Dexamethasone: Decreases brain swelling
- Aspirin: Provides headache relief
- Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen): Used for headache relief
- Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and narcotic pain medications: These substances can slow breathing, which is dangerous in low-oxygen conditions.
- Therapies:
- Oxygen therapy: Provides extra (supplemental) oxygen to improve breathing and increase oxygen levels in the body
- Hyperbaric chamber: Copies the effects of moving to a lower altitude when you can’t go down quickly
- Therapeutic procedures:
- Descending to a lower altitude: This is the most important step and should be done immediately if symptoms develop. After your body adjusts, it may be safe to go back up.
- Self-care and health behavior changes:
- Resting and reducing activity level: Helps alleviate symptoms and allows the body to adjust
- Hydrating with water: Helps maintain proper hydration levels
Each treatment works differently to achieve the treatment goals for altitude sickness. Medications help correct imbalances in the body and reduce symptoms. Oxygen therapy provides additional oxygen for better breathing. Hyperbaric chambers simulate descent when immediate descent is not possible. Resting, reducing activity level, and hydrating help the body adjust or acclimate. Pain relievers alleviate headaches. Avoiding certain substances such as alcohol prevents further complications.
Remember, it's important to consult with your healthcare professional before starting any medication or treatment.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.