High-Altitude Sickness

Visitors unaccustomed to high elevations may experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness. The symptoms are similar to the flu. Victims may experience headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Symptoms should subside after seventy-two hours. Suggestions for alleviating symptoms include drinking plenty of water, eating a diet high in carbohydrates, decreasing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and avoiding smoking. Visitors with a history of heart or breathing problems should be careful not to overexert themselves at high altitudes, where heart and lungs must work harder. It is possible that undiagnosed preexisting heart problems may surface at high altitudes. If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention at once.