What is Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a highly unpleasant experience and occurs when you reach about 2500 metres. It occurs because the air is thinner with less oxygen available to you.

Your body will adjust to this by increasing your breathing rate and also your heart starts to work harder. Most people can acclimatise efficiently at heights of 2000-3000 metres within a couple of days but if you are planning on going higher you should allow up to 3 weeks.

You are more likely to get altitude sickness the faster you elevate. For example if you fly direct into La Paz, Bolivia (3000m) or drive up to Lhasa, Tibet (3600m) you are more likely to experience symptoms than if you were to trek to altitude. Overexerting yourself before you have become accustomed to the height will also increase your risk.

Symptoms include:

  • headache

  • nausea and loss of appetite

  • vomiting

  • tiredness

  • irritability

More severe symptoms include:

  • breathlessness (even at rest)

  • weakness

  • coughing up a pinky substance

Extreme symptoms (when fluid has collected in your brain). These symptoms can be life-threatening so DESCEND IMMEDIATELY:

  • severe headache

  • confusion and disorientation

  • drowsiness

  • double vision

  • unconsciousness 

 

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