Symptoms of altitude sickness

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between6 and 24 hours after ascending to high altitude.Mild altitude sicknessCommon symptoms of mild altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover and may include: headache nausea and vomiting dizziness tiredness loss of appetite upset stomach feeling unsteady shortness of breath increased heart rate difficulty sleeping generally feeling unwell The symptoms are usually worse at night.Severealtitude sicknessSigns of severe altitude sickness can include: worsening of the symptoms describedabove a persistent, irritablecough breathlessness (even when resting) a bubbling sound in the chest coughing up pink or white frothy liquid clumsiness and difficulty walking irrational behaviour double vision fits (convulsions) drowsiness confusion Severe symptoms could mean you're developing cerebral oedema or pulmonary oedema. These are potentially life-threatening complications of altitude sickness.What to do if you have symptomsIf you have symptoms of mild altitude sickness, don'tgo any higherfor 24 to 48 hours. If your symptoms don't improve or get worseduring this time, you should descend immediately.Severe altitude sickness is a medical emergency. Someone with severe symptoms should immediately descend to a low altitude and seek medical help..
Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on