Climbing or flying to high places can feel great — until your head pounds and you can’t catch your breath. Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) happens when your body can’t adjust fast enough to lower oxygen at altitude. Know the signs, slow your ascent, and act quickly if things worsen.
Go slow. Increase sleeping altitude by no more than 300–500 meters (1,000–1,600 ft) per day once you’re above about 2,500–3,000 meters. Spend an extra day to acclimatize every 1,000 meters you gain. If possible, “climb high, sleep low” — hike up during the day and return to a lower camp to sleep.
Start light on the first day. Avoid heavy exercise during the first 24–48 hours at a new altitude. Stay hydrated but don’t overdo fluids. Eat carbohydrates; they’re easier to use with less oxygen. Skip alcohol and sedatives because they worsen breathing during sleep.
Consider preventive medicine if you’re heading high quickly or have had altitude sickness before. Acetazolamide (Diamox) can reduce symptoms when started a day before ascent; typical doses are 125 mg twice daily, but you should get exact dosing from your doctor. Acclimatization aids like staged ascents, simulated altitude training, or sleeping in hypoxic tents can help if available.
Mild symptoms — headache, nausea, light fatigue, poor sleep — respond to rest, stopping ascent, and simple medicines like acetaminophen for pain. If symptoms appear, don’t climb higher. Rest for 24 hours and see if you improve.
Severe signs need immediate action. If someone shows confusion, difficulty walking (ataxia), severe breathlessness at rest, cough with frothy sputum, or losing consciousness, these suggest HACE (high altitude cerebral edema) or HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema). Both are medical emergencies. Give oxygen if available and descend immediately — even a few hundred meters can save a life.
Dexamethasone can help brain swelling (HACE) and is sometimes used in emergencies; nifedipine helps HAPE in some cases. These are prescription drugs. Don’t self-medicate without medical advice and training.
Portable options for remote trips include supplemental oxygen bottles and portable hyperbaric chambers (Gamow bags) to buy time while descending. A pulse oximeter can help monitor oxygen saturation but don’t treat numbers alone — use symptoms first.
Before you travel, talk with your doctor if you have heart or lung disease, are pregnant, or take regular meds. Plan a conservative itinerary, pack layers, and know evacuation options at your destination. A calm, steady ascent and quick response to warning signs are the best ways to stay safe and enjoy high places.
As a blogger, I wanted to share my tips on how to train your body to withstand mountain sickness. First, it's important to gradually acclimate to high altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. Second, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent symptoms of mountain sickness. Third, exercising regularly before your trip will improve your physical fitness and overall endurance. Lastly, don't forget to listen to your body and take it slow if necessary, as pushing yourself too hard can worsen the symptoms.
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