Question 1

what are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Altitude sickness: Acute altitude sickness may be associated with any combination of the following symptoms: fatigue, headache, dizziness, insomnia, shortness of breath during exertion, nausea, decreased appetite, swelling of extremities. Altitude sickness develops when the rate of ascent into higher altitudes outpaces the body's ability to adjust to those altitudes.

Question 2

can diamox (acetazolamide) suppress altitude sickness symptoms? took it & had minor altitude sickness symptoms. after 1 day of returning home vomited for 2wks. -10+lb

Accepted Answer

Vominting for 2 wks: Yes Diamox (acetazolamide) is sometimes used to prevent altitude sickness.  Vomiting for two weeks does not sound like altitude sickness.  It sounds more like infection.  Better see your doctor for a check up.

Question 3

is restless leg syndrome a symptom of altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Association: Restless leg syndrome(rls), legs have persistent&uncomfortable feeling like they must keep moving, is associated with falling asleep.At high altitude, indivs can experience feelings of restless legs, which might be related to the drop in oxygen pressure at high alt.Rls has been assoc with low iron levels, so its presence as a result of low oxygen p makes sense.Rls at hi alt not nec alt sickness.

Question 4

are the symptoms of altitude illness bad?

Accepted Answer

Yes: High altitude sickness is associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs which causes severe shortness of breath and if left untreated, may be lethal.

Question 5

what are the most common symptoms of altitude illness?

Accepted Answer

Many: Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness or unsteadiness, confusion, mental status changes, shortness of breath and coughing.  When at altitude, descend immediately at least 1000 feet; if no improvement, descend another 1000 feet.  Symptoms of hape and hace (high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema) require immediate air evacuation.

Question 6

how do you treat altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Depends on degree: This depends on the degree of illness.  But I do agree with my colleague that descent -- safely -- is the first thing to do.  Additional needs might be oxygen, hydration, the diuretic diamox (acetazolamide).  If the person is confused, short of breath, and not moving well, this is  severe and you're going to need help getting him/her down the mountain.  Better to watch for early signs than let it get this far.

Question 7

what do you do for altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Safe descent: The best treatment for altitude illness or altitude sickness is to decrease one's elevation by at least 1000 ft (quickly and safely.) if symptoms do not improve, one needs to descend another 1000 ft. If one has symptoms of hace (high altitude cerebral edema) or hape (high altitude pulmonary edema) contact search and rescue and arrange for emergent air evacuation.

Question 8

any tips for  climbers about altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

Tips for climbing: Climb the mountain gradually, stop for a day or two for every 2, 000 feet above 8, 000 feet . Sleep at a lower altitude when possible. Recognize early symptoms. If you plan on quickly climbing to a high altitude, ask your doctor about a medication called acetazolamide (diamox).

Question 9

is it possible to have reverse altitude sickness?

Accepted Answer

No: If by that you mean you have come back to lowland and yet have nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, fatigue, look for another cause. Altitude headache by itself should resolve at low altitude by 12 hours. 
If you have shortness of breath or cough- high altitude pulmonary edema can persist up to 48 hours after returning to low altitude.
Go see your health provider.

Question 10

do you know altitude sickness begins to appear at (aproximately) what altitude?

Accepted Answer

8000 feet but:: 8000 ft is often when people notice significant symptoms yet at 5000 ft many are breathless ; those who are very susceptible may complain of headache or occasional nausea. 
More serious high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema emerge at higher altitude but it is speed of ascent rather than absolute height which increases risk.
Danger very high at or above 11, 500 ft.

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Low altitude sickness symptoms

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

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Can diamox (acetazolamide) suppress altitude sickness symptoms? took it & had minor altitude sickness symptoms. after 1 day of returning home vomited for 2wks. -10+lb

A member asked:

Is restless leg syndrome a symptom of altitude sickness?

A member asked:

Are the symptoms of altitude illness bad?

A member asked:

What are the most common symptoms of altitude illness?

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How do you treat altitude sickness?

A member asked:

What do you do for altitude sickness?

A member asked:

Any tips for climbers about altitude sickness?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have reverse altitude sickness?

A member asked:

Do you know altitude sickness begins to appear at (aproximately) what altitude?

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