Can high altitude sickness cause numbness in the hands?
Sep 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
High altitude reaction generally refers to the body's response to high altitudes. Whether numbness in the hands occurs depends on specific circumstances. High altitude reaction is usually caused by reduced atmospheric pressure, thin air, and low oxygen levels at high altitudes, leading to hypoxia. Mild high altitude reactions may present symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tinnitus, blurred vision, general fatigue, and difficulty sleeping; in such cases, hand numbness may not occur.
High altitude reaction generally refers to the body's response to high altitudes. Whether numbness in the hands occurs depends on specific circumstances. Details are as follows:
1. No
High altitude reaction is usually caused by reduced atmospheric pressure, thin air, and low oxygen levels at high altitudes, leading to hypoxia. Mild high altitude reactions may manifest as dizziness, headache, tinnitus, blurred vision, general weakness, and difficulty sleeping. In such cases, hand numbness may not occur.
2. Yes
If a patient's high altitude reaction is severe, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration) of the lips and fingernails may develop, and hand numbness may occur under these conditions.
Patients with high altitude reaction can take medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or acetaminophen tablets as advised by a doctor to alleviate symptoms. If severe discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance, which can help promote recovery.
