The symptoms usually occur within two to 12 hours after you arrive at the high-altitude location. Mild symptoms appear to mirror a flu or a hangover from too much drinking of alcohol. Include here is a list of some popular hiking and climbing destinations that are the most notorious locations on the planet that provoke altitude sickness.ĭepending on the health concern, it can become very serious or fatal. The three forms of sickness may develop at any point between days one and five of an ascent. The most talked about causes of altitude sickness is when you ascend quickly to a higher altitude, like traveling by airplane. However, in most cases, the opposite happens, and they cause one or more of the three forms of altitude sickness (x). These responses help the climber or hiker adapt to environmental changes. (x)ĭropping barometric pressure decreases partial oxygen pressure, which triggers physiological responses (x). Yet, everyone’s body is different in fitness, age, and well-being, so this estimate varies. However, most people encounter the symptoms when they are at 8,000 feet above sea level or higher. It is such a big jump that visitors to Denver often underestimate the consequences of altitudes on their physical abilities and health. For example, flying from Central California, at three feet altitude, to Denver, Colorado, at 5,280 feet altitude, is quite a jump. Something to note is that altitude sickness can also happen when you travel from a low sea level region to a higher sea level region by car, train, or airplane. Both HAPE and HACE are fatal and can happen at the same time. Drowsiness and unconsciousness are the last symptoms to occur before death, so if you feel like going to sleep or confused, you need to descend to a lower altitude immediately.
It may cause confusion, stumbling, excessive emotion, violence, and clumsiness. The third altitude sickness, HACE, occurs when fluid fills your brain. A hazardous condition, HAPE, requires immediate medical attention. If you experience it, you may become short of breath, develop a fever, or cough up foamy spit. HAPE occurs when excess fluid fills your lungs. If you have AMS, there is a risk of developing two more severe altitude sickness forms: HAPE and HACE. The first signs of the health concern begins with AMS as a mild form of altitude sickness that causes nausea, headache, and fatigue. (x)Īltitude sickness has three forms: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). It can affect anyone at any age, health, and athletic ability. It’s caused by having climbed or hiked at high altitudes without giving your body time to adjust to air pressure differences and decreased oxygen levels. What is Altitude Sickness?Īltitude sickness is a group of conditions and symptoms. If you enjoy traveling, it’s a good idea to become familiar with natural and preventive solutions that can curtail the chances of suffering from altitude sickness. Mostly, people usually experience a moderate or mild case of altitude sickness, which gradually lessens as the body becomes familiar with the climate and new location. It is rare that a severe condition of altitude sickness happens or is life-threatening. The “new” environment may cause nausea, weakness, and trouble breathing.Īltitude sickness is profoundly uncomfortable, but it is dangerous and may even cause death. Even higher altitudes where the environment is colder with low humidity and more ultraviolet radiation can also adversely affect the body. When your body hits a higher altitude than it is not accustomed to experiencing, the body feels pressure, and the amount of oxygen available is not the same. It’s an enormous concern for travelers, particularly athletes or people who like to hike, snow ski, or mountain climb. Have you ever traveled to a region high above sea level and felt lightheaded or dizzy? You might have had altitude sickness or “mountain sickness.” The physiological experience happens because the body travels to locations at a higher altitude than your body can handle.