Vietnamese mountains
Vietnamese mountains

Anti altitude sickness

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.

What is altitude sickness?

When you go to higher altitudes, air pressure drops and less oxygen is available. If you travel to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, your body will need time to adjust to the change in pressure or you may develop altitude sickness. Often known as mountain sickness, symptoms include headache, vomiting, insomnia and reduced performance and coordination. We can prescribe medication that can help prevent altitude sickness. It can also help you adjust to high altitudes faster and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Book an appointment

Who is at risk of altitude sickness?

You can get altitude sickness if you're in a place that is at a high altitude (usually more than 2,500 metres above sea level).

Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young, or healthy they are.

You're more likely to get it if you travel or climb to a high altitude quickly.

You can get it in places like:

  • Mount Everest in Nepal

  • Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

  • some places in the Alps

  • La Paz in Bolivia

You can get altitude sickness if you're in a place that is at a high altitude (usually more than 2,500 metres above sea level).

Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young, or healthy they are.

You're more likely to get it if you travel or climb to a high altitude quickly.

You can get it in places like:

  • Mount Everest in Nepal

  • Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

  • some places in the Alps

  • La Paz in Bolivia

You can get altitude sickness if you're in a place that is at a high altitude (usually more than 2,500 metres above sea level).

Anyone can develop altitude sickness, no matter how fit, young, or healthy they are.

You're more likely to get it if you travel or climb to a high altitude quickly.

You can get it in places like:

  • Mount Everest in Nepal

  • Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

  • some places in the Alps

  • La Paz in Bolivia

Book an appointment

prayer flags with mountain in background
prayer flags with mountain in background

Altitude sickness symptoms

Symptoms of altitude sickness usually start 6 to 10 hours after being at a high altitude.

The main symptoms include:

  • a headache

  • loss of appetite

  • feeling or being sick

  • feeling tired or exhausted

  • dizziness

  • difficulty sleeping

Sometimes, the symptoms can develop into more serious symptoms that can be life-threatening.

How can I prevent altitude sickness?

  • Avoid flying or driving directly to high altitudes. plan your trip up with stopping points at lower elevations before reaching your final destination.

  • Plan rest stops. Try to travel no more than 1,000 feet each day, and plan a rest day for each 3,000 feet you go higher.

  • Prioritize carbs. You need more calories when you’re at a higher altitude. Pack plenty of healthy snacks, including lots of whole grains.

  • Avoid drinking, smoking, or taking sleeping pills during your trip to higher altitude.

  • Stay hydrated

  • We can prescribe medication that can help prevent altitude sickness. It can also help you adjust to high altitudes faster and reduce the severity of symptoms. 

sign at the top of kilananjaro
sign at the top of kilananjaro

Frequently asked questions

Can I get travel vaccinations from my NHS GP?

How long before travel should I book my travel vaccination appointment?

Do you vaccinate children?

Can I get travel vaccinations from my NHS GP?

How long before travel should I book my travel vaccination appointment?

Do you vaccinate children?

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Company Information

Company Reg - 03690523
Superintendent - Tirath Dosanj (2065385)

Stay in touch
Sign up for health news emails

Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Terms and conditions

Company Information

Company Reg - 03690523
Superintendent - Tirath Dosanj (2065385)