ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude sickness can happen when you ascend to high altitude, usually above 3000 metres, too quickly. Your body struggles to adapt to the lower levels of oxygen in the air and you can feel dizzy, tired, or short of breath. You might also have a headache and nausea.

If you’re planning to travel somewhere above an altitude of 3000 metres, we can prescribe Acetazolamide tablets off label, if appropriate for you. 

When taken correctly, the tablets can help your body to get used to higher altitudes more quickly and prevent the sickness. 

The symptoms of altitude sickness can include:

• Headache
• Feeling or being sick
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling dizzy
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath

Some travellers find that the symptoms are more pronounced in the evening and at night.

Altitude sickness is not an indication of poor fitness and it is difficult to predict whether you will have symptoms or not.

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, stay at the altitude you’re currently at for at least 1 – 2 days. Avoid strenuous exercise and make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated.

It is best to avoid alcohol and smoking as both may cause your symptoms to worsen.

You can use over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat your headache if required.

It is important that you let any fellow travellers know how you feel – don’t try and keep up with them if you’re not well.

Don’t go to a higher altitude until you have fully recovered. If your symptoms last for more than a day, go down to a lower altitude (at least 500m lower). If your symptoms don’t go away, see a doctor.

If your symptoms have gone away altogether after resting for a couple of days, you can think about continuing going up again. Make sure you take it slowly and be careful to look out for any symptoms returning.

If you’re planning to travel somewhere above an altitude of 3000 metres, we can prescribe Acetazolamide tablets off label, if appropriate for you. 

When taken correctly, the tablets can help your body to get used to higher altitudes more quickly and prevent the sickness. 

The initial consultation with one of our pharmacists is free of charge.

The cost of the tablets will depend on where you are travelling to and how long you are travelling for.

We will highlight the medication costs during the consultation, along with detailed advice, allowing you to make an informed decision. 

Select a date and time that suits you on our online portal here.

One of our pharmacists, Mike or Aidan, will speak with you in private to fill in a medical history form and then take details of your planned travels.

From this, we will determine:

• What medication you require
• How many tablets you need
• The costs of treatment

We will also provide detailed advice on altitude sickness. 

It's as easy as that, and that will be you ready to go and enjoy your holiday, without worrying about altitude sickness.