Does altitude sickness cause headache?

Altitude sickness can develop when your body has not yet adjusted to thinner air after going higher. The headache may occur with dizziness, tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea or disturbed sleep. Symptoms often begin after ascent and can worsen if you continue climbing.

A headache after travel to altitude can also have other causes, including dehydration, sun exposure, fatigue or a migraine. The timing, accompanying symptoms and response to rest at the same altitude help a clinician assess the situation.

Stop ascending and rest at your current altitude. Drink fluids regularly, avoid alcohol and strenuous exertion, and tell your travel group how you feel. Do not rely on pain relief to conceal worsening symptoms while continuing upward.

If symptoms do not improve or they become more severe, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical advice. A clinician may recommend a specific medicine based on your health and travel circumstances.

Get urgent help and descend if possible for confusion, difficulty walking, breathlessness at rest, blue lips, severe weakness, or a worsening headache with vomiting. These can indicate a dangerous altitude illness rather than uncomplicated symptoms.

Ask how quickly you should ascend, which warning signs matter during your trip, whether your medicines or medical conditions affect altitude travel, and what to do if a headache begins.