If the body is exposed to a sudden drastic change in altitude and is unable to adapt to the changed pressure conditions, this is known as altitude sickness.

The further you get from sea level, the more the pressure in the air decreases. Although the proportion of oxygen in the air remains constant, it reaches the lungs in smaller quantities through the blood. The body compensates for this with increasing heart and lung activity, but the biochemical balance is disturbed, causing fluid to accumulate in the body and oedema to develop.

 

Typical symptoms of altitude sickness are headaches, fatigue, nausea, palpitations and vomiting. Occasionally there is a cough with frothy sputum and blue discoloured lips.

 

Treatment of mild altitude sickness

 

Descent into a lower region

Bed rest

Increased fluid intake

Diuretics

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin) for headaches and to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism

Avoid coffee and alcohol

Small low-fat and high-carbohydrate meals

 

Prevention of altitude sickness

 

Slow ascent to higher regions: Between 1600m and 3500mm above sea level maximum 700m ascent per day, above 3500m only 300m ascent per day.

From an altitude of 2500 metres, overnight stays should be planned in order to give the body time to adapt to the pressure conditions.

Limit pulse-raising physical activities such as mountaineering and skiing on arrival at your destination for the first 3 days.

If mild symptoms of altitude sickness occur, rest immediately.

Talk to your doctor about taking a diuretic such as Diamox as a preventative measure.