Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a condition that can affect anyone who travels to high altitude too quickly. It is a travel-related health risk rather than something caught from the local environment.
Key points
- Altitude sickness usually begins above about 2,500 metres and can cause headache, nausea and difficulty sleeping.
- The risk depends on the speed of ascent and the altitude reached, rather than on the traveller themselves.
Common questions about Altitude Sickness
What altitude sickness is
Altitude sickness is a condition that can affect anyone who reaches high altitude too quickly. It is not an illness you catch from other people; the risk comes from the speed of ascent and the height reached.
Which medicine is listed for altitude sickness
The listed product contains acetazolamide, which belongs to a class of medicines called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These medicines, including Acetazolamide, help the body adjust to high altitude by changing the balance of fluids and salts.
