When to worry about headache with altitude sickness

Headache is a very common presentation of Altitude Sickness. It may appear after ascent because the body is adjusting to thinner air, often alongside nausea, dizziness, tiredness or reduced appetite. A headache that is severe, progressive or accompanied by neurological or breathing symptoms may indicate a more serious altitude illness. Do not judge safety by pain intensity alone.

Stop ascending and rest at the same elevation while assessing symptoms. Keep warm, take fluids in small amounts and avoid alcohol or sedating medicines. Tell a companion, follow your travel medical plan, and use prescribed altitude medicine as directed. If symptoms do not improve or begin to worsen, descend with help; do not leave an unwell person alone.

Descend and seek emergency assistance for confusion, unusual behaviour, inability to walk straight, fainting, seizure, severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips, a wet cough, or rapidly worsening headache. Vomiting that prevents fluids, extreme drowsiness or loss of coordination also needs urgent action. Symptoms can worsen quickly, so arrange rescue support when descent is unsafe or difficult.

Ask a clinician how to ascend gradually, which symptoms should stop further ascent, and whether your health or medicines alter your risk. Discuss a written plan for descent, emergency communication and any prescribed prevention or treatment.