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Before departure, you should learn about the health conditions in the country or countries you plan to visit, your own risk of disease, and the steps you can take to prevent illness by visiting a travel health clinic or a physician.
Altitude illness is caused by the lower level of oxygen available at higher elevations. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) typically appears above 8,000 feet (2400 meters). The major concern is that it may progress to a life threatening form of altitude sickness called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of AMS usually appear within a few hours after arrival at high altitude, reach maximum severity within 1 - 2 days, and decrease about the third day provided that additional ascent does not occur. Symptoms may include headache (dull and throbbing, worse at night), dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting. Symptoms of the life threatening forms of altitude sickness (HACE or HAPE) can include: confusion, disorientation, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, and a persistent dry cough that can progress to produce frothy fluid.
RISK FACTORS
Factors associated with increased incidence of AMS include:
PREVENTION
| Popular Cities at Elevations Greater than 6,000 feet Above Sea Level | |
|---|---|
| LOCATION | ALTITUDE |
| Cuzco, Peru | 11,152 feet |
| La Paz, Bolivia | 11,736 feet |
| Lhasa, Tibet | 12,002 feet |
| Quito, Ecuador | 9,249 feet |
| Bogata, Columbia | 8,393 feet |
| Mexico City, Mexico | 7,546 feet |
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about altitude sickness. It is not intended to replace medical consultation at a travel health clinic or by your physician.