Stay Mountain-Ready: Effective Relief from Altitude Sickness

Protect Yourself from Altitude Sickness in Great Yarmouth

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). It commonly affects hikers, climbers, and travellers in mountainous regions or high-elevation areas.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

Headache: One of the most common early symptoms.
Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick or actually being sick.
Dizziness: A sense of spinning or lightheadedness.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat.
Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.

Causes:

At higher altitudes, the air pressure decreases, resulting in lower oxygen levels. This makes it harder for your body to get enough oxygen, causing symptoms as it tries to adjust to the new environment.

Don’t Let Altitude Sickness Ruin Your Adventure – Shop Acetazolamide!

Who is at Risk?

Travellers ascending too quickly (without proper acclimatization)
Those spending extended periods in high-altitude areas
People with a history of altitude sickness

Types of Altitude Sickness:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): The mildest and most common form, with symptoms like headache, fatigue, and nausea.
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): A more serious condition involving fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to severe breathing difficulties.
High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): A potentially life-threatening condition where the brain swells due to low oxygen, leading to confusion, inability to walk, and even coma.

Prevention & Treatment:

Gradual Ascent: Climb slowly to allow your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Medications: Acetazolamide tablets can help prevent or reduce symptoms.
Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen may be needed at higher elevations.

Altitude sickness can become severe if untreated, so it’s important to take precautions and recognize symptoms early.

Why do we need to acclimatise to high altitude?

We need to acclimatise to high altitude because, as we ascend, the air becomes thinner and contains less oxygen. This decrease in oxygen availability can cause the body to struggle with performing normal functions, which may lead to altitude sickness. Acclimatisation is the process by which the body gradually adapts to these lower oxygen levels, ensuring we can function more effectively and safely at higher elevations.

Here’s why acclimatisation is essential:

1. Improved Oxygen Delivery:

At high altitudes, the oxygen content in the air is lower. Acclimatisation helps the body to compensate by:

Increasing breathing rate to take in more oxygen.
Enhancing red blood cell production to transport more oxygen to tissues and organs. This improves oxygen delivery to muscles, brain, and other vital organs.

2. Reduced Risk of Altitude Sickness:

Without proper acclimatisation, altitude sickness can develop due to the sudden lack of oxygen. Acclimatising gradually reduces the risk of:

Headaches, nausea, and fatigue (Acute Mountain Sickness)
Serious conditions like HAPE (fluid in the lungs) and HACE (swelling of the brain), which can be life-threatening.

Climb Higher, Worry Less – Get Acetazolamide Now

3. Stabilizing Body Functions:

Acclimatisation helps stabilise important body functions that can be disrupted at high altitude, such as:

Heart rate: As the body adjusts, the heart pumps more efficiently to circulate oxygen.
Breathing patterns: Initially, breathing becomes more rapid, but as acclimatisation progresses, it normalizes.
Fluid balance: High altitudes can increase urination and dehydration risk. Acclimatisation helps regulate the body’s water and salt levels.

4. Gradual Adaptation to Physical Strain:

Exertion at high altitudes is much more taxing because of the lower oxygen levels. Acclimatisation helps the muscles and cardiovascular system gradually adapt, so physical activity becomes more manageable without excessive strain on the body.

5. Prevention of Life-Threatening Conditions:

Without proper acclimatisation, severe forms of altitude sickness, such as High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), can develop. These conditions can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs or brain, making breathing difficult and affecting cognitive function, potentially resulting in coma or death.

How to Acclimatise:

Ascend Gradually: A general rule is to ascend no more than 300-500 meters (1,000-1,500 feet) per day once you reach 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
Rest and Hydrate: Spend extra time at certain elevations, allowing your body to adapt.
Take Preventative Medication: Acetazolamide can be used to speed up acclimatisation by improving oxygen flow.

Symptoms of mild early acute mountain sickness (AMS)

Mild early acute mountain sickness (AMS) can manifest with a variety of symptoms as your body begins to react to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes. Here are the common symptoms of mild AMS:

Symptoms of Mild AMS:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Difficulty Sleeping
Loss of Appetite
Shortness of Breath
Increased Heart Rate
Mild Swelling

Prepare for High Altitude – Order Acetazolamide Today!

When to Seek Help:

While mild AMS symptoms can often be managed with rest, hydration, and gradual acclimatisation, it’s essential to monitor your condition closely. If symptoms worsen or escalate to more severe symptoms, such as:

Severe headache that doesn’t improve
Persistent vomiting
Confusion or disorientation
Severe shortness of breath at rest
Difficulty walking or coordinating movements

You should descend to a lower altitude immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. Early intervention can prevent the progression to more severe altitude sickness conditions like High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

How to treat mild AMS

Treating mild acute mountain sickness (AMS) effectively is crucial to prevent symptoms from worsening and to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience at high altitudes. Here are some key strategies for managing mild AMS:

1. Descend to a Lower Altitude

Immediate Relief: If symptoms are present, the best and quickest way to alleviate AMS is to descend to a lower elevation (typically by at least 500 to 1,000 meters or 1,600 to 3,300 feet).
Avoid Further Ascent: Refrain from climbing higher until symptoms improve.

2. Rest

Take it Easy: Limit physical exertion and allow your body to recover.
Find a Comfortable Spot: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position to help reduce fatigue and discomfort.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink Plenty of Water: Increase fluid intake to stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms.
Electrolyte Solutions: Consider electrolyte drinks, especially if you have nausea or are not eating well.

4. Eat Lightly

Nutritious Foods: Opt for easily digestible foods. Carbohydrate-rich meals can provide energy without requiring as much oxygen to metabolize.
Small, Frequent Meals: Eating smaller portions throughout the day may help maintain energy levels without causing discomfort.

5. Take Acetazolamide (previously known as Diamox)

Medication for Prevention and Relief: Acetazolamide can help speed up acclimatisation and reduce symptoms of AMS.
Dosage: Generally, it is taken 125 mg to 250 mg twice a day, starting 1-2 days before ascent and continuing during high-altitude exposure. Always consult a healthcare provider for specific advice on dosage.

Be Altitude-Ready – Acetazolamide Available Here!

6. Pain Relief

Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help alleviate headaches and discomfort.
Follow Dosage Guidelines: Ensure that you adhere to the recommended dosages.

7. Oxygen Supplementation

Portable Oxygen: If available, using supplemental oxygen can help relieve symptoms quickly, especially if you’re at very high altitudes.
Use as Needed: This can be particularly useful during sleep or exertion.

8. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Substances to Avoid: Both alcohol and smoking can worsen dehydration and hinder your body’s ability to acclimatize.
Focus on Recovery: Avoid these substances until you feel completely acclimatised.

9. Monitor Symptoms

Watch for Changes: Keep track of your symptoms and be aware of any worsening conditions.
Seek Medical Attention if Necessary: If mild AMS symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen, consider descending further and consulting a healthcare professional.

10. Gradual Ascent After Recovery

Wait Until Symptoms Resolve: Only attempt to ascend again once you feel fully recovered and have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
Take It Slow: If you decide to continue your ascent, do so gradually and incorporate additional rest days as needed.

Protect Yourself from Altitude Sickness – Buy Acetazolamide Online!

HOW IT WORKS

Three easy steps for your private treatment ...

STEP 01

Complete consultation questionnaire

Complete consultation for your selected condition and order your medication.

Please answer the health questionnaire honestly, this will ensure that the medication you are requesting is right for you.

STEP 02

Prescriber approves

The UK registered prescriber will review your questionnaire and approve your order. In some cases, the prescriber may specify a preferred treatment.

STEP 03

Delivered to your door

Your treatment will be sent directly from our NHS online pharmacy, Online Chemist based in Norfolk.

General Pharmaceutical Council's advice for online treatment

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and other UK health organisations have produced a handy guide to help people going online for medicines or treatment.
Read the guideline here

If you have a medical emergency do not use this service.
Please contact your own GP, visit Accident and Emergency or call 999 or 111 immediately.