Altitude sickness is an illness that can develop in people who travel or stay at altitudes above 2 500 m. It can lead to symptoms such as headache, vomiting, nausea, weakness and dizziness. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health consequences such as fluid in the lungs or a heart attack.
How to avoid altitude sickness
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to slowly gain altitude and gradually acclimatise to higher altitude. If you are going to be spending time at altitudes above 2,500m, it is also important to ensure that you are adequately hydrated and avoid overly demanding activities during the first few days at high altitude.
For comprehensive information on altitude sickness, its diagnosis, prevention and treatment, see the article “Acute mountain sickness – symptoms, prevention and practical tips for climbers”.