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A person living at low altitude needs time to adjust to the low oxygen pressure at high altitude. Breathing is deeper during the first days at high altitude. This improves the oxygen supply to the organs, but also causes shortness of breath during exertion. Ascending too quickly means that there is not enough time to acclimatise and this can cause altitude sickness to develop within several hours to two days.
People differ in their susceptibility to altitude sickness and this is not related to their physical fitness. Young people are generally more susceptible to altitude sickness than older people.
Mild altitude sickness usually goes away within several days, provided you do not go to a higher altitude. However, severe altitude sickness with cerebral or pulmonary oedema (fluid accumulation in the brain or lungs) can rapidly result in death.
Symptoms of mild altitude sickness include:
Headache, plus one or more of the following symptoms:
Symptoms of severe altitude sickness include:
People who are susceptible can develop altitude sickness from 2000 metres, but severe symptoms occur primarily with overnight stays above 3000 metres.
If you have any health issues, first discuss with your physician whether it is wise to visit high altitude areas.
Do not ascend too quickly:
Do not use sleeping pills or alcohol during the first days at high altitude.
Do not exert yourself strenuously during the first days at high altitude.
Drink sufficient water to prevent dehydration. Your urine must remain light-coloured.
To facilitate acclimatisation, you can:
Measuring the arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) has only very limited value. It is much more useful to respond quickly and adequately to the first symptoms of altitude sickness.
Take acetazolamide (Diamox®) with you if you are going to be staying above 3000 metres.
Acetozolamide facilitates acclimatisation.
You can take it to prevent or treat altitude sickness.
You can take acetazolamide as a precaution if you have insufficient time to acclimatise, or if you have suffered from altitude sickness in the past at a similar altitude:
See also the general tips for a stay at high altitude.
Descend immediately to 2500 metres or lower. This can save your life! Seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Call the travel assistance insurance during your trip for advice on reliable medical facilities.
If available, you can start the following whilst waiting for medical assistance:
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