What is altitude
sickness?
Altitude sickness is also called acute mountain
sickness. It is a problem that can occur if you travel to a high
altitude (usually over 8000 feet above sea level). When you travel
from a low elevation or sea level to a high altitude your body needs
time to adjust (acclimate) to the altitude.
Symptoms of altitude sickness appear about 6 to 8
hours after arriving at a higher altitude. Symptoms may include:
- headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea, loss of
appetite
- shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat on
exertion
- insomnia or restless sleep.
Symptoms occur in about half of the people who
suddenly go from sea level to 10,000 feet above sea level without
giving their bodies a chance to get used to the altitude. The chance
of having symptoms increases as the altitude gets higher.
What causes altitude
sickness?
Altitude sickness is caused by the lower amount of
oxygen in the air at higher altitudes. Your body has to work harder to
get the oxygen it needs. Many people travel to mountainous areas
(6,000 to 10,000 ft) and begin doing a lot of activity (such as hiking
and skiing) before their bodies have had time to adjust.
How long will it last?
Most people with altitude sickness feel normal in 2 or
3 days.
In severe cases, when someone has made a sudden climb
to over 10,000 ft and has overexerted himself, there can be
life-threatening complications. These complications include pulmonary
edema (lung failure) or cerebral edema (swelling of the brain).
How is it treated?
- First aid for severe
symptoms
Quickly take your child to a lower altitude. Go down
at least 2000 feet, and always go below 10,000 feet. If your child
cannot walk, carry him or her in a sitting position. Give the child
oxygen as soon as you can.
- Rest for mild symptoms
Symptoms usually go away after to 2 or 3 days of
rest, fluids, and a light diet. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be
given for the headache (aspirin may make it worse and is not
recommended for children). The dizziness and headache can usually be
improved by deliberately breathing faster and deeper to bring in
more oxygen. Skiing, hiking, or any other type of exercise should be
postponed. Once your child feels healthy again, he can gradually
return to activities and higher elevation. Breathing from an oxygen
tank can improve symptoms temporarily but is generally unnecessary
when the symptoms are not severe.
How can altitude
sickness be prevented?
- Try to stage your mountain visit. Spend a few days
at 5000 to 7000 feet before going to the high country.
- Take it easy on the day of arrival. Some exercise
(like short walks) is important, but take rest breaks. Gradually
increase the amount of exercise during the second and third days.
- Have your child drink a lot of fluids.
- While mountain climbing, gain only 1000 feet per
day.
- If your child has had severe altitude sickness
before, talk to your health care provider about taking Diamox
tablets (a prescription medicine) for prevention in the future.
Newborns and mountain travel
Destinations and staying overnight in locations above
8,000 feet are a concern if you have a newborn. However, brief travel
over mountain passes (10,000 to 11,000 feet) is safe. In general,
travel to elevations above 8,000 feet are best postponed for the first
month of life, unless you live at that elevation and your pregnancy
took place there. If you are coming from sea level with a newborn, you
should avoid mountain vacations above 8,000 feet for the first 1 or 2
months of life. Travel to the mountains shouldn't cause any problems
if the destination is less than 8,000 feet.
When should I call my
child's health care provider?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child becomes confused.
- Breathing becomes labored.
- A headache becomes severe.
- Vomiting has occurred 3 or more times.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
Call during office hours if:
- The symptoms last more than 3 days.
- You have other questions or concerns.
