What Is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, also called acute mountain sickness (AMS), can develop when you travel to high elevations faster than your body can adapt to the lower oxygen levels in the air. Symptoms are usually mild at first and may include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, or difficulty sleeping, but they can become more serious if they are not recognized and managed appropriately.
Whether you are planning to hike in the Andes, trek to Everest Base Camp, ski in the Rocky Mountains, or travel to destinations at elevations more than 2,500 metres above sea level, understanding altitude sickness before you travel can help you stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Why Altitude Sickness Matters
Many travellers assume altitude sickness only affects experienced climbers, but it can happen to anyone. Physical fitness, age, and previous travel experience do not reliably protect against altitude illness. Even healthy adults can develop symptoms if they ascend too quickly or sleep at high elevations without giving their bodies enough time to adjust.
Altitude sickness is one of the most common medical problems experienced by travellers visiting mountainous regions around the world. Every year, thousands of Canadians travel to destinations where elevations exceed 2,500 metres, placing them at increased risk. Popular vacation spots, trekking routes, and ski destinations often reach elevations high enough for symptoms to occur, especially when travellers fly directly into high-altitude cities instead of ascending gradually.
Altitude sickness should not be ignored, as symptoms can worsen if you continue to ascend or do not receive appropriate treatment. In some cases, it can progress to serious conditions affecting the lungs or brain that require immediate medical attention. Recognizing early symptoms and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
The risk depends on several factors, including your final altitude, how quickly you ascend, whether you have experienced altitude sickness before, and whether you continue climbing despite symptoms. Travellers who have limited time and plan to reach high elevations quickly are often at greater risk than those who ascend gradually over several days.
Fortunately, altitude sickness is one of the most preventable travel-related conditions. Careful planning before your trip, understanding your personal risk, staying well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol during the first few days at altitude, and following an appropriate ascent schedule can all help reduce your chances of becoming ill. For travellers who cannot avoid rapid ascent or who have a history of altitude sickness, preventive medication may also be appropriate.
Every itinerary is different, which is why personalized travel advice is important. The same destination may present very different risks depending on your arrival point, planned activities, sleeping altitude, and overall health. Someone spending a day sightseeing may require different recommendations than someone planning a multi-day trek or climbing expedition.
How Our Pharmacists Can Help
Our pharmacist can assess your risk of altitude sickness and determine whether preventive medication may be appropriate for your trip. We can also provide access to treatment and offer practical advice to help reduce your risk while travelling.
You do not need a referral or separate doctor’s appointment before seeing us. We’ll review your travel plans, answer your questions, and help coordinate any additional care or referral that may be needed before your trip.
Book Your Travel Consultation
If you are travelling to a high-altitude destination, don’t wait until the last minute to think about altitude sickness. Booking a travel health consultation before your departure gives you time to receive personalized recommendations and, if needed, begin preventive treatment at the appropriate time.
Contact Wellness Point Pharmacy to book your travel health appointment online or by phone, or visit us in person to arrange an appointment with one of our pharmacists. Our pharmacist will provide personalized recommendations based on your destination, itinerary, and medical history to help you prepare for safe travel at higher elevations.
