Altitude sickness usually improves with rest, no further ascent, fluids, and symptom relief , but the most important step is to go lower if symptoms are getting worse or don’t improve within a day. It can become dangerous, especially if there is confusion, trouble walking, shortness of breath at rest, or coughing up frothy or bloody sputum.

What helps

  • Stop climbing and rest at the same altitude until you feel better.
  • Drink enough water and avoid dehydration.
  • Use pain relievers or anti-nausea medicine for symptoms if appropriate.
  • Descend about 300 to 1,000 metres if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a day.
  • Oxygen can help in more serious cases, and a doctor may prescribe acetazolamide for prevention or faster recovery.

How to prevent it

  • Ascend slowly and give your body time to acclimate.
  • Avoid alcohol at altitude.
  • Limit hard exercise for the first few days.
  • If you are going up quickly or have had altitude sickness before, ask a clinician about preventive medicine.

When to get help

Get urgent medical help right away if someone at altitude has confusion, balance problems, severe shortness of breath, blue or gray skin/lips, hallucinations, or is very hard to wake.

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