Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness (also known as acute mountain sickness) occurs when the body struggles to adjust to lower oxygen levels at high altitude. It typically develops when travelling or climbing to heights above around 2,500 metres above sea level too quickly.

The condition can affect travellers visiting high-altitude destinations such as mountain regions or cities located at high elevations.

At Allied Pharmacies, pharmacists provide travel health consultations and medication advice to help prevent and manage altitude sickness, helping you prepare safely before travelling to high-altitude destinations.

Use the postcode search to find your nearest Allied Pharmacy for altitude sickness advice and treatment options.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness happens when the body cannot adapt quickly enough to reduced oxygen levels and changes in air pressure at high altitude.

When travelling to higher elevations, oxygen levels in the air decrease, making it harder for the body to function normally. This can cause a range of symptoms affecting energy levels, breathing and sleep.

Altitude sickness most commonly affects people travelling to:

• Mountain destinations 
• High-altitude cities 
• Trekking or hiking routes above 2,500 metres

Anyone can develop altitude sickness, regardless of age or fitness level.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Symptoms usually begin around 6–10 hours after reaching high altitude.

Common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping

In more serious cases, symptoms may worsen and require urgent medical attention.

Severe symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath even at rest
• Confusion or difficulty walking
• Persistent cough or chest tightness
• Extreme fatigue or loss of coordination 

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when the body is exposed to lower oxygen levels at high altitude without enough time to adapt.

The risk increases when:

• Travelling rapidly to high altitude
• Flying directly to high-altitude locations
• Climbing mountains quickly without acclimatisation
• Overexerting yourself during the first few days at altitude

Gradual ascent allows the body time to adjust and reduces the risk of illness.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness 

Taking precautions before and during travel can significantly reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Ascend gradually to allow your body time to adjust
• Take rest days when climbing or trekking
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid alcohol during the first few days at altitude Avoid heavy physical activity when first arriving

Travellers visiting very high destinations may also benefit from preventative medication prescribed before travel.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Severe breathing difficulty
• Confusion or loss of coordination
• Chest pain or coughing up fluid
• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness

These symptoms may indicate severe forms of altitude illness that require urgent treatment.

How the Altitude Sickness Service Works

Getting travel health advice at Allied Pharmacies is simple and convenient.

Travel Consultation - The pharmacist will discuss your travel destination, altitude exposure and health history.

Prevention Advice - You will receive guidance on acclimatisation, hydration and travel safety.

Medication Options - If appropriate, the pharmacist may recommend or prescribe medication to help prevent altitude sickness.

Why Choose Allied Pharmacies?

Allied Pharmacies provide professional travel health services across communities throughout the UK.

Our pharmacies offer:

• Travel health consultations before high-altitude trips 
• Expert pharmacist advice and medication options 
• Convenient local pharmacy locations 
• Private consultation rooms for confidential care

Our pharmacy teams help travellers stay safe and healthy when visiting high-altitude destinations.

Find Altitude Sickness Advice Near You

Altitude sickness consultations and travel health advice are available at participating Allied Pharmacies across the UK.

Use the postcode search above to find your nearest pharmacy offering altitude sickness prevention advice and travel health support.

Our pharmacists provide expert guidance to help you travel safely to high-altitude destinations.