There are some other behaviors you should avoid. Do not go over 9,000 feet in altitude in 1 day. Do not sleep 1,000 to 2,000 feet above the altitude you slept at the previous night. You should always spend an extra day acclimating for every 3,300 ft. [2] X Research source

In addition, during your three to five day acclimation to your new altitude, take the first day or two to rest before exploring the area.

This is an FDA approved drug for the prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness. Acetazolamide is a diuretic, which increases urine production, and is known to cause an increase in respiratory ventilation that allows more oxygen exchange in our body. Take 125 mg as prescribed twice daily starting one day before your trip and take for two days at your highest altitude. . [3] X Research source Ellsworth A. J. , Meyer E. F. , Larson E. B. Acetazolamide or dexamethasone use versus placebo to prevent acute mountain sickness on Mount Rainier. Western Journal of Medicine. 1991 Mar; 154(3): 289–293.

Take this medication as prescribed, which is usually 4 mg every 6 to 12 hours starting the day before your trip and continue until you are fully acclimated at your highest altitude. 600mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours may also help prevent acute mountain sickness. Ginkgo biloba has been studied for treatment and prevention of altitude sickness, but the results are varied and not recommended for use. [4] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

There are many reasons for low RBC, the most common is iron deficiency. B vitamin deficiency can also lead to low red blood cells. If low, your doctor may advise you to take iron or vitamin B supplements to correct your RBC. [5] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Do not drink any alcohol and avoid it for the first 48 hours of your trip. Alcohol is a depressant and can slow down your breathing rate and cause dehydration. You should also avoid caffeinated products, such as energy drinks and sodas. Caffeine can lead to the dehydration of your muscles.

This can include pastas, breads, fruits, and potato based meals. In addition, excess salt should be avoided. Too much salt will cause the dehydration of your body’s tissues. Look for food and meals labeled with low salt or no salt added at the supermarket. Physical endurance and conditioning may appear to be a good idea before mountain climbing. However, studies have shown there is no evidence that physical fitness protects against altitude sickness. [8] X Research source [9] X Research source Honigman B. et al. Sea-level physical activity and acute mountain sickness at moderate altitude. Western Journal Medicine. 1995 Aug;163(2):117-21.

Acute mountain sickness is due to reduced air pressure and oxygen. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is a severe progression of acute mountain sickness caused by brain swelling and the leaking of dilated brain vessels. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur with HACE, on its own after acute mountain sickness, or develop one to four days after traveling above 8,000 ft. This is caused by swelling in the lungs due to fluid leakage into the lungs caused by high pressure and constriction of blood vessels in the lungs. [10] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

These include a headache within two to 12 hours of new altitude, trouble falling or staying asleep, dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, shortness of breath during movement, and nausea or vomiting. [11] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

You may also lose consciousness or go into a coma. Unlike acute mountain sickness, HACE is rather rare. It only affects from . 1% to 4% of people. [12] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

You may also notice a physical change as well, such as cyanosis, which is a condition where your mouth and fingers turn darker or bluish in color. Like with HACE, HAPE is relatively rare, with incidences from . 1% to 4%. [13] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

If you are dealing with signs or symptoms of HACE or HAPE, descend immediately with as little exertion as possible so as not to aggravate the symptoms. You should then reassess symptoms for improvement periodically. If descent is not possible because of weather conditions or other reasons, administer oxygen to increase oxygen pressure. Place the mask on yourself and the tube of the mask in the tank nozzle. Release the oxygen. You can also be placed in a portable hyperbaric chamber. If these are available, then descent may not be needed if the symptoms are not severe and you respond to treatment. These are lightweight machines usually carried by rescue teams or at rescue stations. If radio or phone is available, report incidences to the rescue team and give them your location and wait for arrival. [14] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.

Your doctor may also prescribe you emergency drugs in case of HAPE, which are non-FDA approved drugs for prophylaxis and HAPE treatment. Small studies have shown some drugs reduce the incidence of HAPE if taken 24 hours before your trip. These include nifedipine (Procardia), salmeterol (Serevent), phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (tadalafil, Cialis), and sildenafil (Viagra). [15] X Research source Fiore D, Hall S. Altitude Illness: Risk Factors, Prevention, Presentation, and Treatment. American Family Physician journal. 2010 Nov 1;82(9):1103-1110.