How to Treat Mild Altitude Illness

Mild altitude illness is often experienced at elevations above 8,000 feet. Treat immediately and do not ascend until symptoms improve.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Assess for mild altitude illness (see "How to Assess Altitude Illness"); if you suspect it, treat with the following steps. (If you suspect severe altitude illness, see "How to Treat Severe Altitude Illness.")

2. Hydrate well, especially with oral rehydration salts or diluted sports drinks. Urine should be clear and copious.

3. Have the person exercise lightly, and cease activities if symptoms worsen.

4. Administer aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat headaches.

5. Administer acetazolamide (known by the brand name of Diamox) only if the person is not allergic to sulfa drugs. Consult a physician.

6. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

7. Avoid any medications with sedatives in them, such as sleeping pills, cold medicines and antihistamines.

8. Don't ascend further until symptoms improve. Descend if symptoms don't improve in two days or if the condition advances to severe altitude illness.

Tips & Warnings

• Altitude illness can kill. Treat cases of mild altitude illness immediately to prevent their developing into severe altitude illness.
• Descend immediately and rapidly if any of the signs and symptoms of severe altitude illness are present.
• People with altitude illness suffer from impaired judgment and will need others to assess their condition and make decisions for them. Be especially careful if the afflicted person is a physician, guide or has more training or experience than you do - trust your own judgment, not hers.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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