Mountain Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Tilak Kumar Kommineni , Emergency Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Mountain sickness, also known as altitude sickness, occurs when the body cannot adapt quickly to reduced oxygen levels at high elevations. It commonly develops after ascending to altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) and can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications.

Early recognition of symptoms, gradual acclimatization, proper hydration, and timely treatment can help prevent serious health problems and ensure a safer experience during high-altitude travel or mountain expeditions.

What Are the Types of Mountain Sickness?

There are three main types of mountain sickness: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). AMS is the mildest form, with symptoms like headache and nausea. HAPE affects the lungs and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. HACE affects the brain and can lead to confusion and coordination problems.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the most common type of altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness, which typically occur at elevations above 8,000 feet.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a severe form of altitude sickness that affects the lungs, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing up pink frothy sputum, and chest tightness, usually seen at altitudes above 10,000 feet.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the brain swells due to lack of oxygen at high altitudes.

What Are the Symptoms of Mountain Sickness?

At high altitudes, mountain sickness can cause symptoms like headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. These occur due to the body's struggle to adjust to reduced oxygen levels. In severe cases, symptoms can progress to confusion, difficulty walking, and blue lips or nails. It's crucial to descend to lower altitudes if symptoms worsen.

Headache: One common symptom of mountain sickness is a persistent headache that may worsen with physical activity or lying down.
Nausea and vomiting: Feeling queasy and experiencing vomiting can occur in individuals suffering from mountain sickness, especially at higher altitudes.
Fatigue: A notable symptom of mountain sickness is feeling unusually tired and lacking energy, even with adequate rest.
Dizziness: Some individuals may experience dizziness or lightheadedness when at high altitudes, which can impact their balance and coordination.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling like you can't catch your breath, even with minimal exertion, can be a sign of mountain sickness.

What Causes Mountain Sickness?

Mountain sickness is primarily caused by the body's inability to acclimatize to high altitudes, resulting in reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Factors such as rapid ascent, low humidity, and decreased air pressure contribute to the condition. Dehydration, cold temperatures, and individual susceptibility can also play a role in the development of mountain sickness. Proper acclimatization and hydration are essential preventive measures.

Mountain sickness can be caused by rapid ascent to high altitudes, where the body does not have enough time to acclimatise to the decreased oxygen levels.
Dehydration is a common cause of mountain sickness as it can lead to decreased blood volume and impair the body's ability to adapt to higher elevations.
Excessive physical exertion at high altitudes can contribute to mountain sickness by putting additional strain on the body and exacerbating symptoms such as headache and fatigue.
Individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at a higher risk of developing mountain sickness due to compromised lung function at higher elevations.
Certain medications, such as sleeping pills.

When Should You See a Doctor for Mountain Sickness?

Consult a emergency medicine specialist if symptoms become severe, worsen despite rest, or continue after descending to a lower altitude.

Severe or persistent headache
Shortness of breath at rest
Confusion or difficulty walking
Persistent vomiting
Chest tightness or coughing up pink, frothy sputum
Blue lips or fingertips

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), as these conditions can be life-threatening.

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How Is Mountain Sickness Diagnosed?

Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess symptoms like headache, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath commonly associated with mountain sickness.
Pulse Oximetry: This non-invasive test measures the oxygen saturation levels in the blood, which can be lower in individuals experiencing mountain sickness.
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: A blood test that evaluates the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, helping to diagnose the severity of altitude sickness.
Imaging Studies: In severe cases, imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans may be done to rule out conditions such as high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

How Is Mountain Sickness Treated?

Treatment for mountain sickness includes descending to a lower altitude, resting, staying hydrated, and using supplemental oxygen if available. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help alleviate symptoms. Severe cases may require prescription medications like acetazolamide or dexamethasone.

It is important to seek medical help if symptoms worsen despite these measures. Prevention by acclimatizing slowly and staying hydrated is key.

Descending to a lower altitude is the most effective treatment for mountain sickness as it allows the body to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels, relieving symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Oxygen therapy, which involves breathing in supplemental oxygen from a portable oxygen tank, can help alleviate severe symptoms of mountain sickness by increasing oxygen levels in the blood.
Medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) may be prescribed to prevent and treat mountain sickness by helping the body adjust to higher altitudes and reducing the risk of fluid buildup in the lungs or brain.
Hydration is crucial in managing mountain sickness as staying well-hydrated can help prevent symptoms like headaches and dizziness.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Mountain Sickness?

Factors that increase the risk of mountain sickness include rapid ascent to high altitudes, lack of acclimatization, physical exertion, dehydration, and individual susceptibility. People with respiratory conditions, obesity, and a history of mountain sickness are also at higher risk.

It is important to gradually ascend to allow the body to acclimatize and stay properly hydrated to reduce the risk of developing mountain sickness.

Rapid ascent to high altitudes without proper acclimatization increases the risk of developing mountain sickness.
Individual susceptibility, such as a personal or family history of high altitude illness, can make someone more prone to experiencing mountain sickness.
Dehydration due to inadequate fluid intake in the low oxygen environment of high altitudes can exacerbate the symptoms of mountain sickness.
Overexertion or physical exertion at high altitudes without allowing the body to rest and adjust can contribute to the development of mountain sickness.
Certain medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or heart and lung diseases can heighten the risk of experiencing mountain sickness when ascending to high altitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I recognize the signs of mountain sickness?

Symptoms of mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath at high altitudes above 8,000 feet.

2. What lifestyle changes should I make to manage mountain sickness effectively?

To manage mountain sickness, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, gradually ascend heights, rest frequently, and consider medication like acetazolamide.

3. What are the potential complications of mountain sickness?

Complications of mountain sickness can include high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), both of which can be life-threatening.