Altitude sickness (patient information)
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What is Altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness, is an illness that can affect mountain climbers, hikers, skiers, or travelers at high altitude (typically above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters).
What are the symptoms of Altitude sickness?
Symptoms generally associated with mild to moderate altitude illness include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid pulse (heart rate)
- Shortness of breath with exertion
Symptoms generally associated with more severe altitude illness include:
- Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis)
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Confusion
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
- Gray or pale complexion
- Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
- Shortness of breath at rest
What causes Altitude sickness?
Who is at risk for Altitude sickness?
How do I know I have Altitude sickness?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Altitude sickness
Directions to Hospitals Treating Altitude sickness