Altitude Sickness Prevention: Symptoms, Treatment

What is altitude sickness and how can you prevent it?Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) occurs when you ascend to high altitude too quickly, leading to reduced oxygen availability. In this episode, we explain symptoms, prevention strategies, and when urgent medical care is required for travellers in Europe and abroad.In this episode, we cover:• What altitude sickness is (hypoxia-related symptoms above ~2,500 metres)• Early symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, poor sleep• Risk factors: rapid ascent, previous episodes, high sleeping altitude• Gradual ascent and acclimatisation strategies• Hydration and avoiding alcohol at altitude• When acetazolamide may be prescribed preventively• Warning signs of severe forms (HACE and HAPE)• When immediate descent and emergency care are required• Situations where prescription requests may be declinedDoctors assess travel plans, altitude profile, medical history (heart or lung disease), pregnancy status, and previous altitude reactions before prescribing preventive medication. Severe breathlessness at rest, confusion, chest tightness, or coordination problems require urgent descent and in-person emergency evaluation.This episode reflects how travel medicine and respiratory risk are reviewed within structured medical assessment in European telemedicine at Mobi Doctor.Read the full medical guide here:https://www.mobidoctor.eu/blog/altitude-sickness-prevention-symptoms-treatment