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Altitude sickness Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, October 2008.

Answers to questions about altitude sickness

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Can I have a reaction to acetazolamide (Diamox)?

Yes, some people can have unwanted side-effects to the medicine.

Explanation

Acetazolamide is used as a preventive medicine to decrease the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Some people experience tingling in their legs, hands and face after taking acetazolamide. Other possible side-effects include vomiting, headache, dizziness and diarrhoea. Acetazolamide can also alter the taste of fizzy drinks and occasionally people develop rashes after taking the medicine.

Your doctor may recommend you take 125mg of acetazolamide (half a tablet) twice a day as a trial several weeks before you go away. If you don't have any unpleasant side-effects then he or she will advise you take between 125mg and 250mg twice a day beginning one day before ascent and continuing for two or three days until you have acclimatised at high altitude.

Further information

Sources

  • Diamox, decadron and nifedipine at high altitude - UIAA Mountain Medicine Centre Information Sheet 1. British Mountaineering Council, 2002. www.thebmc.co.uk
  • Travel at high altitude. Medex, 2008. www.medex.org.uk
  • Clarke C. Acute mountain sickness: medical problems associated with acute and subacute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Postgrad Med J, 2006; 82:748-753. www.bmj.com
  • Hackett P, Roach R. High altitude illness. N Engl J Med, 2001; 345:117-114. www.nejm.org
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55 ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 575
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Can altitude sickness affect my sleep?

Yes. Altitude sickness does keep some people awake at night but other factors can also affect your sleep at altitude.

Explanation

It's common for people who have recently arrived at altitude to have a poor night's sleep. Your sleep may be disturbed because of the low temperature, new surroundings and altitude sickness. You may find you need to get up more during the night because your body will naturally make more urine as you acclimatise.

Your breathing will become quicker at high altitudes as less oxygen is available. In some people this can cause periodic breathing at night (deep breaths followed by shallow breaths or even a brief pause in breathing), which can wake you or your partner up.

There are a number of things you can do at altitude to help get a better night's sleep.

  • Keep yourself warm by using a well insulated and comfortable sleeping bag.
  • Wear earplugs at night to keep out background noise.
  • Try to reduce your caffeine intake, especially before bedtime.
  • Avoid alcohol, tobacco and sleeping pills as these can worsen periodic breathing.
  • Only go to bed when you're feeling really sleepy.

If you still have difficulty sleeping after following the tips above, don't go any higher and consider reducing your altitude so you can spend more time acclimatising.

Further information

Sources

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Can children get altitude sickness?

Yes. It's quite common for children to suffer from altitude sickness.

Explanation

People of all ages can experience altitude sickness when travelling to altitudes above 2,500m. Young children are less likely to say they have a problem because they may not understand what it is or tell you how they feel.

The symptoms of altitude sickness are the same for children as they are with adults. Typical symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and reduced playfulness. It's important that you monitor your child and detect any changes in his or her health and behaviour.

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent your child suffering from altitude sickness. Below are some tips for looking after children at high altitude.

  • Move slowly and ascend height over several days so your child can acclimatise to the high altitudes. Increase the height at which you sleep by no more than 300m each night.
  • Make sure your child drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
  • Don't let your child do any strenuous activity for the first few days at high altitude.
  • Give your child a high-carbohydrate diet.

You can give your child preventative medicines in small doses to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness. It's important that you discuss your plans with your GP before you go.

Further information

Sources

  • Travel at high altitude. Medex, 2008. www.medex.org.uk
  • Altitude sickness. Altitude.org. www.altitude.org
  • Pollard AJ NS, et al, Children at high altitude: An international consensus statement by an ad hoc committee of the International Society for Mountain Medicine. High Alt Med Biol, 2001; 2:389-403. www.ismmed.org
  • Clarke C. Acute mountain sickness: medical problems associated with acute and subacute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. Postgrad Med J, 2006; 82:748-753. www.bmj.com
  • Hill skills: altitude. British Mountaineering Council. www.thebmc.co.uk, accessed 16 July 2008
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: October 2008

 

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