High altitude mountain sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
When you ascend to higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure decreases. This change means that oxygen molecules become scarcer with each breath. As a result, your body receives less oxygen, which disrupts its functioning. Less available oxygen means that your blood is less effective at transporting this precious gas to vital organs, especially to the brain and muscles. Consequently, your body struggles a bit, working harder to meet its usual needs. This drop in oxygen in the body, called hypoxia, is the main trigger for the unpleasant effects experienced at high altitude.
At high altitude, your body lacks oxygen, as the air becomes thinner. To compensate, your breathing becomes faster and deeper, to bring as much air into your lungs as possible. Your heart also speeds up, trying to deliver oxygen to your muscles and brain more quickly. Meanwhile, your body reacts by producing more red blood cells, small efficient taxis to transport oxygen in your blood. Your kidneys adjust everything by expelling fluid, which makes you urinate frequently, so that your blood becomes thicker and can carry more oxygen with each heartbeat. All of this is the quick solution your body finds to try to keep you at your best despite less-than-ideal conditions at altitude. However, these adjustments are not always enough, so some still experience unpleasant symptoms.
First, you just feel a bit tired and out of breath, even for simple efforts. Then come the headaches, often the first real warning sign from the body. Not cool: it can hit pretty hard, especially at night. You might also experience nausea, lose your appetite, or even vomit, a bit like a bad hangover (but without having partied...). A feeling of dizziness or spinning sometimes also appears, just to add some fun to the ascent. Higher up, it can really become a hassle with sleep disturbances (imagine spending sleepless nights while being exhausted), or a general feeling of weakness. Basically, your body is sending you plenty of signals to say it's lacking oxygen. Normal: the air at high altitude is thinner, and your body really doesn't like that very much.
We are not all equal when it comes to altitude; some will cope better than others. First, there is age: young adults often tolerate rapid ascents better than children or older people. Then, physical condition plays a key role, but be careful, being athletic does not guarantee you will be spared—it just helps you better endure certain symptoms. The genetic factor is also involved; some people naturally have a better ability to adapt to a lack of oxygen. And then there's your personal history: those who have experienced altitude sickness in the past are often more sensitive to it again. Even details like hydration levels or accumulated fatigue before the ascent make a difference. Finally, some chronic illnesses like asthma or cardiovascular issues can make you more vulnerable up there. In short, when it comes to altitude, everyone experiences things in their own way, and it depends on several factors unique to each individual.
The number one solution is to let the body acclimate: this is known as progressive acclimatization. Ascending slowly, staying a few days at an intermediate altitude before climbing higher works very well. The ideal: avoid rapid ascents, no more than 300-500 meters per day above 2500 meters if possible. Otherwise, another very simple tip: stay well-hydrated. Drinking regularly and enough water clearly reduces the risks. Avoiding alcohol and sleeping pills also helps significantly in handling altitude better. Additionally, there are medications; preventive use of acetazolamide (Diamox) is sometimes recommended by a doctor in case of specific needs. If symptoms arise despite everything, the golden rule remains clear: descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible, even by a hundred meters, often quickly alleviating the problem.
The traditional coca, consumed in the form of an infusion or chewed in the Andes, has long been used by local populations to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches and dizziness.
Even excellent physical fitness does not necessarily protect against altitude sickness. In fact, individual sensitivity to altitude varies greatly and can affect both athletes and less trained individuals.
Some carbohydrate-rich foods can help you better cope with altitude, as their metabolism consumes less oxygen than that of proteins or fats, thereby reducing the strain on your respiratory system.
Drinking plenty of water is essential at high altitude. In fact, the drier air and faster breathing increase water loss through the respiratory system, thereby raising the risk of dehydration.
If not addressed, acute mountain sickness can progress to severe forms such as pulmonary or cerebral edema, which can lead to serious complications, even fatal, if the person remains at high altitude without appropriate treatment.
Yes, acetazolamide is commonly used preventively or to reduce the symptoms of acute mountain sickness. However, it should be used with caution and under medical advice.
Although physical training can improve overall condition, it does not guarantee avoiding altitude sickness. The best prevention remains a gradual ascent and good hydration during the climb.
Adaptation varies from person to person, but generally, the human body begins to adapt within the first 24 to 48 hours, and complete acclimatization usually takes between a few days and several weeks, depending on the altitude reached.
Altitude sickness is generally observed starting at 2500 meters. However, some particularly sensitive individuals may experience symptoms as early as 2000 meters.
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