Altitude Sickness Treatment & Medication UK

Altitude Sickness Medication

Don’t let altitude sickness ruin your trip – Get medicine today!

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend too quickly to high altitudes usually 3000 meters. The reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high elevations can affect your body, leading to a range of symptoms.

Which Symptoms Does It Cause?

Altitude sickness can cause various symptoms, which usually develop within hours of reaching a high altitude. Common symptoms include:

In more severe cases, altitude sickness can lead to:

What Do I Do If I Have Altitude Sickness?

If you start feeling the effects of altitude sickness, stay at your current altitude for at least 1 to 2 days. Avoid heavy exercise and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water.

Avoid alcohol and smoking, as they can make your symptoms worse.

You can take over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a headache.

Let your fellow travellers know how you’re feeling and don’t push yourself if you’re unwell.

Don’t climb to a higher altitude until you’ve fully recovered. If your symptoms persist for more than a day, descend at least 500 metres. If you still don’t feel better, see a doctor. They might suggest acetazolamide, a medicine often used to prevent altitude sickness, to help you recover more quickly.

Once your symptoms have completely disappeared after a couple of days’ rest, you can consider moving up again. Just make sure to go slowly and watch out for any returning symptoms.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Altitude Sickness?

If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious complications:

High-Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)

Swelling of the brain, which can be life-threatening.

High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, also potentially life-threatening.

Both HACE and HAPE require immediate descent and emergency medical treatment.

If someone you’re travelling with is having symptoms, make sure they stop their journey and get medical help. It’s common for travellers to underestimate their condition. If left untreated, these complications can be very serious and even fatal.