Dizziness as a symptom of altitude sickness

Dizziness may feel like faintness, unsteadiness or a spinning sensation. In altitude sickness it occurs in the setting of a recent elevation gain as the body struggles to acclimatise to lower oxygen availability. The condition may present with dizziness, but dizziness alone cannot show what is causing it.

Dehydration, missed meals, exhaustion, alcohol, medication effects, an inner-ear problem or another illness may produce a similar feeling. Note when it began, whether the surroundings seem to spin, and whether headache, vomiting, breathlessness or trouble walking is also present.

Stop ascending and sit or lie somewhere protected from falls, traffic and exposed terrain. Tell a companion, avoid driving or climbing, rest, and take fluids and food if you can do so safely. Do not test yourself by continuing a strenuous trek.

Reassess after resting at the same elevation. Persistent or worsening symptoms call for descent and medical advice. If possible, descend with support because impaired balance increases the risk of injury. Further ascent should wait until the person is symptom-free and the travel plan has been reconsidered.

Loss of coordination is more concerning than mild light-headedness. Inability to walk heel-to-toe or in a straight line, confusion, slurred speech, unusual behaviour, marked drowsiness, collapse or a worsening severe headache may indicate severe altitude illness affecting the brain. Start assisted descent and obtain emergency care immediately.

Breathlessness at rest, chest tightness, a wet cough or blue-grey lips are also emergency signs. New one-sided weakness, facial droop or difficulty speaking requires urgent care because a neurological emergency may be responsible, whether or not altitude contributed.

Describe the ascent, sleeping locations, symptom timing, balance changes, fluid and food intake, and every medicine used. Ask whether another cause of dizziness needs evaluation and what recovery signs must be present before travel continues.