The best treatment for altitude sickness is to go to a lower altitude. But if you have mild symptoms, you may be able to stay at that altitude and let your body get used to it. Symptoms often occur if you have just arrived at a mountain resort from a lower altitude. If you stay at a high altitude, rest.
You can explore the area, but take it easy. Limit any walking or activity. Drink plenty of water, but do not drink alcohol. Do not go to a higher altitude until your symptoms go away. This may take from 12 hours to 3 or 4 days. For the headache, you can take an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen Advil, Motrin or naproxen Aleve.
Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome , a serious illness. You may also use medicine to reduce feeling sick to your stomach or other symptoms.
A doctor can give you acetazolamide. This speeds up how fast your body gets used to the higher altitude. Nifedipine Adalat XL and dexamethasone are also used for altitude sickness. You may also be able to use oxygen or a specially designed pressure chamber to treat altitude sickness. Go to a lower altitude if your symptoms are moderate to severe, they get worse, or medicine or oxygen treatment does not help.
Go down at least m ft. Go to a lower altitude as fast as you can or get emergency help if someone with you has severe symptoms such as being confused or not being able to walk straight. Go with the person. Never let someone with severe altitude sickness go down alone. You may be able to prevent altitude sickness by taking your time when you go to high altitudes, using medicine in advance, and eating certain foods. Experts do not know much about how altitude affects other diseases.
Many people with allergic asthma do better at high altitudes. Still, if you have asthma and are going to high altitudes, continue to use your daily controller medicine and take your quick-relief medicine with you. Talk with your doctor about altitude sickness if you have long-term diseases, especially heart problems, sickle cell anemia , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , or sleep apnea.
Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Anne C. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy?
Altitude Sickness December 5, Research health conditions Check your symptoms Prepare for a doctor's visit or test Find the best treatments and procedures for you Explore options for better nutrition and exercise Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online ». Sign Me Up. Print This Page Click to Print. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Sign Up. Close Thanks for visiting. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.
I want to get healthier. Close Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Close Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.
Sign me up. Page last reviewed: 13 March Next review due: 13 March Altitude sickness. You can get altitude sickness if you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Breathing becomes difficult because you're not able to take in as much oxygen. Your age, sex or physical fitness do not affect your likelihood of getting altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness Symptoms of altitude sickness usually develop between 6 and 24 hours after reaching altitudes more than 2,m above sea level.
Symptoms are similar to those of a bad hangover and include: headache feeling and being sick dizziness tiredness loss of appetite shortness of breath The symptoms are usually worse at night. Preventing altitude sickness The best way to prevent getting altitude sickness is to travel to altitudes above 2,m slowly.
It usually takes a few days for your body to get used to a change in altitude. You should also: avoid flying directly to areas of high altitude, if possible take 2 to 3 days to get used to high altitudes before going above 2,m avoid climbing more than m to m a day have a rest day every m to m you go up, or rest every 3 to 4 days make sure you're drinking enough water avoid smoking and alcohol avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours eat a light but high-calorie diet Medicines Consider travelling with these medicines for altitude sickness: acetazolamide to prevent and treat high-altitude sickness ibuprofen and paracetamol for headaches anti-sickness medicine, such as promethazine , for nausea In the UK, acetazolamide is not licensed to treat altitude sickness.
Promethazine is available from pharmacies. You do not need a prescription to buy it. Treating altitude sickness If you think you have altitude sickness: stop and rest where you are do not go any higher for at least 24 to 48 hours if you have a headache, take ibuprofen or paracetamol if you feel sick, take an anti-sickness medicine, such as promethazine make sure you're drinking enough water do not smoke, drink alcohol, or exercise Acetazolamide can be used to reduce the severity of your symptoms, but it will not completely get rid of them.
You can continue going up with care once you feel you have fully recovered. If you do not feel any better after 24 hours, go down by at least m about 1, feet. Do not attempt to climb again until your symptoms have completely disappeared.
0コメント