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Altitude Illness Altitude Illness Traveler Summary Key Points Altitude illness occurs after rapid ascent to altitudes above 3,000 m (9,800 ft; due to decreased oxygen), such as flying from sea level to a high-altitude destination. Acclimatization generally occurs by itself, but the time required can be affected by speed of ascent, level of exertion, genetic predisposition, and underlying lung and heart function. Acclimatization rates in first-timers is unpredictable but previous altitude sickness is predictive of repeat problems. Altitude sickness comprises 3 syndromes: Acute mountain sickness (AMS; headache, loss of appetite/nausea/vomiting, fatigue) is most common. High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE; AMS symptoms plus more severe headache and changes in coordination and consciousness) High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE; AMS symptoms plus progressively worsening breathlessness on exertion and cough) Any suspected symptoms of HACE or HAPE require immediate descent until symptoms resolve because progression to death within hours is possible. Climb high, sleep low. No person exhibiting any symptoms should ascend to sleep at a higher altitude; aim instead to sleep at least 300 m (1,000 ft) below highest altitude achieved during the day. Persons who may benefit from acetazolamide include those who will ascend to over 2,800 m (9,200 ft) rapidly, those who will ascend to over 500 m (1,600 ft) per day when above 3,000 m, and those with altitude illness. Introduction The most serious disorder resulting from travel to high elevations is altitude illness. Minor disorders include periodic breathing, limb swelling, or high-altitude retina damage. Additionally, high altitude/elevation may have adverse effects on travelers with certain preexisting medical conditions, notably, heart, lung, nerve, blood, or hormone conditions. Pregnant women, infants, and young children may require special consideration. Altitude illness occurs when a traveler ascends to a higher elevation at a rate that precludes the body's ability to adjust. Adjustment to the reduced atmospheric pressure and decreased oxygen delivery to the body's cells at the higher elevation is known as acclimatization, and factors affecting acclimatization include the elevation attained, the rate of ascent, the duration of exposure, genetic predisposition, and certain preexisting conditions. Some people adjust very easily, whereas others cannot go above even moderate elevations without experiencing symptoms. Only past experience can predict whether one will be a good acclimatizer; if symptoms occurred before, they are likely to occur again at the same elevation. Altitude illness is generally divided into 3 syndromes: acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and most can be prevented or minimized by proper acclimatization and/or preventive medications. Risk and prevention strategies vary depending on the type of travel planned, for example, travel to typical tourist destinations at relatively moderate elevations versus trekking in extremely high elevation situations. Risk of Altitude Illness Personal Risk Factors Persons are at low risk if they: Have no prior history of altitude illness and are ascending to less than 2,800 m (9,200 ft) Allow 2 or more days to arrive at 2,500 to 3,000 m (8,200-9,800 ft) and keep subsequent increases in sleeping elevation to less than 500 m (1,600 ft) per day Persons are at moderate risk if they: Have a prior history of AMS and are ascending to 2,500 to 3,000 m in 1 day Have no prior history of AMS and are ascending to more than 2,800 m in 1 day Are ascending more than 500 m per day (increase in sleeping elevation) at elevations more than 3,000 m Persons are at high risk if they: Page 1 of 7 Have a history of AMS and are ascending to 2,800 m or higher in 1 day Have a prior history of HAPE or HACE Are ascending to more than 3,500 m (11,500 ft) in 1 day Are ascending more than 500 m per day (increase in sleeping elevation) above 3,500 m Make rapid ascents (e.g., < 7-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro) Risk by Type of Travel Typical Tourist Destinations Travelers going to typical tourist destinations at elevations of 3,000 m or less rarely experience the more severe forms of altitude illness, such as HACE or HAPE, unless they are genetically predisposed. Mountain resorts are usually located, by design, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 m (3,900-9,800 ft). Mild symptoms of altitude illness have been documented at these elevations, and HAPE occurs infrequently at 2,500 to 3,000 m. Daytime activities (e.g., skiing, hiking, sightseeing) may take travelers to higher elevations, but risk is reduced by descending to the lower resort elevation overnight. Risk increases for those who rapidly ascend (hike vigorously) to destinations higher than 3,000 m and for those who fly (or who are otherwise transported) directly to these relatively higher destinations because these modes preclude gradual acclimatization. Examples of destinations that allow access, without hiking, to relatively high elevations include: La Paz, Bolivia; Lhasa, Tibet; and Cuzco, Peru. High-Elevation Trekking Trekkers are at higher risk of HAPE and HACE at high elevations, although the risk is lower compared to that of AMS. Most trekking itineraries take a "one-size fits all" approach toward the pace of the trek and thus cannot guarantee that altitude illness will not occur. Altitude illness affects 50% or more trekkers on popular high-elevation routes. Complications of altitude sickness result in 2 to 3 deaths per year in Nepal. Trekking agencies also feel pressure to offer shorter expeditions for busy people who cannot take long holidays. For example, Mount Kilimanjaro treks that summit in 5 days are offered, even when a 7-day ascent already yields elevation gains more rapid than typical Himalaya treks. Table: Preventive Strategies for Popular Trekking and Tourist Destinations Destination Approximate Mode of Comments Peak Arrival to Elevation Peak Attained Elevation Mount 6,960 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (14-20 days). Descent typically takes 1-2 days. Generally, Aconcagua, (22,800 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until Argentina descent to the final camp is initiated. Ojos del 6,890 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (9-15 days). Descent typically takes 1-2 days. Generally, Salado, (22,600 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until Chile descent to the final camp is initiated. Mount 6,190 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (12-15 days). Descent typically takes 2-3 days. Generally, Denali, (20,300 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until United descent to the final camp is initiated. States Kilimanjaro, 5,900 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (5-9 days). Descent typically takes 1-2 days. Generally, Tanzania (19,300 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until descent to the final camp is initiated. Mount 5,640 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (4-5 days). Descent typically takes 1-2 days. Generally, Elbrus, (18,500 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until Russia descent to the final camp is initiated. Annapurna 5,420 m Trek Most trekkers arrive at Pokhara (up to 1,740 m [5,700 ft]) and can acclimatize gradually during the Circuit, (17,800 ft) trek (16-20 days). Because some routes reach significantly higher elevations, acetazolamide Nepal chemoprophylaxis is beneficial. Trek: Denoted elevation reached gradually or in stages by foot or motor vehicle Flight: Denoted elevation reached immediately upon disembarkation from an aircraft usually originating from a much lower elevation. Page 2 of 7 Destination Approximate Mode of Comments Peak Arrival to Elevation Peak Attained Elevation Everest 5,380 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in their rates of ascent (10-12 days). Generally, climbers should start Base Camp, (17,700 ft) acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until descent to the starting Nepal point is initiated. Mount 5,200 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (4-7 days). Descent typically takes only 1-2 days. Generally, Kenya, (17,100 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until Kenya descent to the final camp is initiated. Mont Blanc, 4,810 m Trek Travelers typically stay in Chamonix (1,035 m [3,400 ft]) or other villages in the valley (up to 1,462 m France and (15,800 ft) [4,800 ft]) and ascend to higher elevations during the day. Italy Mount 4,480 m Trek Routes to the peak vary in rate of ascent (2-3 days). Descent typically takes only 1-2 days. Generally, Matterhorn, (14,700 ft) climbers should start acetazolamide chemoprophylaxis 1 day before they ascend and continue until Switzerland descent to the final camp is initiated. Inca Trail, 4,220 m Trek Most trekkers fly from Lima to Cuzco, a rapid ascent. An alternative is to travel via Arequipa (see Peru (13,800 ft) below for description for Cusco) or descend from Cusco to the Sacred Valley for acclimatization before beginning the trek. Mount 4,100 m Trek Travelers typically stay in the coastal town of Kota Kinabalu and travel by bus to the park entrance to Kinabalu, (13,400 ft) begin the climb to an overnight stop at 3,300 m (10,827 ft) before summiting and then descending Malaysia the next day.
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