Altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when your body doesnt have time to adjust to lower oxygen availability at higher altitudes. It is usually preventable and treatable. The best way to "cure" altitude sickness is to descend to a lower altitude. However, several treatments can help altitude sickness when its not as severe. Here are some ways to treat and prevent altitude sickness:
Treatment:
- Acetazolamide, dexamethasone, or nifedipine: These medications can treat altitude sickness and delay more severe symptoms or complications.
- Anti-sickness medicine or painkillers: You can take these to ease symptoms such as headaches.
- Steroid medicine: This may be given if your symptoms are more serious.
- Medicine to lower your blood pressure: This may be given if your symptoms are more serious.
- Oxygen through a mask: This may be given if your symptoms are more serious.
Prevention:
- Acclimatization: The best way to lower your chance of getting altitude sickness is to let your body slowly get used to the changes in air pressure as you travel to higher elevations.
- Travel or climb to a high altitude slowly: This gives your body time to get used to lower oxygen levels.
- Spend a few days at an altitude below 2,500 meters before going any higher.
- Have a rest day at the same altitude every 3 to 4 days (if youre at an altitude of 3,000 meters or more) .
- Drink enough water.
- Dont use tobacco, alcohol, or medications such as sleeping pills, especially for the first 48 hours. Caffeine is OK if you normally drink it.
- Dont vigorously exercise for the first 48 hours.
Its important to talk to a healthcare provider before traveling to a high-altitude destination. They can advise you on precautions to take thatll be helpful for your specific needs. They may also be able to advise you on preventive measures or prescribe medications that can prevent altitude sickness.
