What should you know about height for altitude sickness?

At higher altitude, each breath provides less available oxygen than at sea level. The body needs time to adjust, particularly after a rapid journey or climb. Early altitude sickness may cause headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, poor sleep, and reduced appetite. Headache and Nausea can also have unrelated causes, so the travel setting and timing are relevant. Symptoms may begin after arrival or after sleeping at a higher level.

Severe illness can affect the lungs or brain, causing breathlessness at rest, confusion, difficulty walking, or unusual drowsiness. Those signs need immediate action rather than waiting for acclimatisation.

Stop climbing when symptoms begin, rest at the same altitude, drink normally, and avoid alcohol or sedating medicines unless prescribed. Do not continue upward while unwell. If symptoms do not improve or become worse, descend with help and seek medical assessment. A Travel Health Consultation before a high-altitude trip can review medical conditions, medicines, itinerary, and an individual prevention plan.

Descend urgently and call for emergency help for breathlessness at rest, blue lips, confusion, fainting, inability to walk normally, severe weakness, or a cough producing frothy sputum. Never leave a severely unwell traveller alone. Oxygen or other treatment may be needed while arranging evacuation.

How should I ascend and monitor symptoms? Does my health history change the plan? Which medicines or emergency arrangements should I discuss before travel?