Warning Signs Of Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is a climber's worst nightmare, and it happens when someone travels to a higher altitude too quickly. The cause is a lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Altitude sickness comes in three forms: acute mountain sickness, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema. The illness may be diagnosed by the patient's symptoms, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. Medical treatment, if it is necessary, often consists of the administration of oxygen and several medications. The outlook for the patient is generally really good when altitude sickness is caught early, and most fully recover. However, recognizing the signs of altitude sickness quickly is crucial, as it can be very serious if ignored.

Reduced Energy

One of the first warning signs of altitude sickness is reduced energy. Individuals who are getting altitude sickness tend to become very fatigued, though they may also have a difficult time sleeping. The fatigue is due to a lack of oxygen circulating in the blood. Oxygen is required for muscle function, so without enough of it, individuals feel weak and tired. This symptom of altitude sickness may be easily ignored because patients may attribute the fatigue to other things. For example, a climber might think their fatigue is due to the exertion of climbing. This may be true in some cases. If someone who is traveling to high altitudes feels fatigued, they should pay close attention to how they feel. If any other symptoms of altitude sickness show up, it is important to get to a lower altitude immediately.

Learn more about the symptoms of altitude sickness now.