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What should you know about cure for high altitude sickness?

How the structures involved in Altitude Sickness differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Altitude Sickness differ from normal

Short answer

The most effective response to altitude sickness is to stop ascending, rest, and descend if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

First action
Stop ascending and assess symptoms
Danger signs
Confusion, poor coordination, severe breathlessness, or a worsening cough

How altitude sickness develops

Altitude sickness occurs when the body has not adapted to reduced oxygen pressure at high elevation. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. A headache or nausea can have many causes, so the travel setting, recent ascent, and symptom progression are relevant. Mild symptoms should not be ignored because continuing upward can allow a dangerous illness to develop.

Steps during an episode

Stop climbing, rest, keep warm, and avoid alcohol or sedating medicines unless a clinician has prescribed them for this situation. Drink normally without forcing excessive fluids. Do not leave a symptomatic person alone. If symptoms improve, remain at the same elevation rather than ascending that day. A travel clinician can discuss gradual ascent, acclimatisation, and medicines before departure through a [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/).

When descent is urgent

Descend immediately and seek emergency help for confusion, inability to walk straight, fainting, severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips, a cough producing frothy fluid, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Oxygen or specialist treatment may be needed while arranging evacuation, but these measures must not delay descent. Never allow a person with severe symptoms to continue climbing.

Before you travel

What ascent plan suits my health and itinerary? Do I need preventive medicine or an emergency plan? Which symptoms mean I should descend, and how will I obtain help in a remote area?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can altitude sickness be cured at the same elevation?

Mild symptoms may improve with rest and no further ascent, but worsening or persistent symptoms require descent and medical assessment.

Is a headache at altitude always altitude sickness?

No. Headache has other causes, but after recent ascent it should be treated seriously and monitored with the rest of the symptoms.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.