Strategies for Dealing with Altitude Sickness While Traveling

Photo by Christopher Burns on Unsplash

If you find yourself traveling to a place at a higher altitude than you’re used to, it’s quite likely that this difference will affect your body.

This type of illness has a name: “altitude sickness.” It happens to the human body when the lack of oxygen at high altitudes deprives the body of its normal amount of the gas. This causes various symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable.

Altitude sickness provokes fatigue, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, and even trouble breathing.

Here are some ways to relieve altitude sickness while traveling in high places.

Stay Hydrated

One key for mitigating the symptoms of altitude sickness is drinking lots of water. High altitudes rob the body of water through sweat and low humidity, so it’s important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration and feeling ill.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Alcohol and smoking are two big no-nos while traveling at high elevations. Alcohol dehydrates the body, making it even harder to stay well. Smoking makes it harder for the body to absorb oxygen, which is already scares at high altitudes.

Get Plenty of Rest

Be sure not to over-exert yourself while traveling at high altitudes. It’s also important to get lots of sleep, as it helps the body to regenerate and recover.

Follow these tips, and your experience at high altitudes will be much more pleasant.