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Altitude sickness, the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a harmful effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. [1][2][3] People's bodies can respond to high altitude in different ways.
Altitude sickness is when your body doesn’t have time to adjust to lower oxygen availability higher up in the atmosphere. It’s usually preventable and treatable. When severe, it can rapidly turn into a life-threatening concern. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to pausing your ascent, which can head off complications or worsening symptoms.
Oct 30, 2021 · Sometimes called “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. What Causes Altitude...
Sep 29, 2018 · Altitude sickness generally occurs at altitudes of 8,000 feet and above. People who aren’t accustomed to these heights are most vulnerable. Symptoms include headache and insomnia. You...
Nov 15, 2023 · Altitude sickness occurs when a person travels to a high altitude — usually above 8,000 feet — without gradually acclimatizing. Symptoms such as weakness and nausea result from a lack of...
Sep 17, 2018 · Most instances of altitude sickness are mild and heal quickly. In rare cases, altitude sickness can become severe and cause complications with the lungs or brain. What causes acute...
Altitude sickness can happen when you're at a high altitude. It usually gets better in a few days with rest, but it can sometimes be life-threatening and need treatment. Check if you're at risk of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is caused by traveling to a high altitude where the air you breathe contains less oxygen. You have a greater chance of having symptoms if you travel to a higher altitude too quickly or if you sleep at a high altitude. You're at increased risk for altitude sickness if: You've had it before. You normally live at a very low altitude.
Altitude illness occurs because of a lack of oxygen at high altitudes and affects mountain climbers, recreational hikers, skiers, and others who travel to high altitude. Symptoms include headache, tiredness, nausea or loss of appetite, irritability, and in more serious cases, shortness of breath, confusion, and even coma.
Key facts. Altitude sickness can happen if you travel to a high elevation — such as up a mountain. It happens when your body has not had time to adjust to the lower amount of oxygen. The main symptoms are a headache, cough, racing heart or trouble breathing. Altitude sickness is a medical emergency.
