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Altitude sickness is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.

High-risk areas

Before departure, be sure to see if your destination is at high altitude. For example, the altitude of Wuling in Hehuanshan is about 3,275 meters above seal level.

Risk factors for mountain sickness

Mountain sickness may occur at any altitude over 2,100 meters above sea level, but it is more likely to occur at an altitude of 2,750 meters or more. The risk factors for mountain sickness are mainly related to genes, and less to age, gender and personal physical fitness. Previous history of mountain sickness is an important risk factor.

Who shouldn't travel to a high altitude?

People with unstable angina, pulmonary hypertension, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and sickle cell anemia are not fit for mountain tourism. People with coronary artery disease but under stable control, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or pregnant women can travel to the mountains, but consult your physician before departure.

Classification of mountain sickness

• Acute mountain sickness (AMS)

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) usually occurs 1 to 12 hours after reaching higher altitudes. Clinical symptoms include headache, accompanied by any of the following: weakness; gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; dizziness; poor sleep. Symptoms usually resolve 24 to 48 hours later, or with the use of oxygen and analgesic or antiemetic drugs.

• High altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) can quickly lead to death, usually after acute mountain sickness (AMS). Symptoms include loss of coordination, instability of gait or change of consciousness. Subjects can be asked to walk straight on the flat ground with their heels close to their toes, for about 5 meters. Normal people will not shake or fall out of the line. If so, they should be alert.

• Hight altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

Hight altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is also a disease that causes rapid death once it occurs, and may progress to death faster than high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Clinically, it can occur alone or together with HACE. Clinical symptoms include: respiratory discomfort, cough, weakness or loss of motor ability, chest tightness during rest.