What Are the Symptoms of Severe Altitude Sickness?

Many individuals experience altitude sickness upon ascending to high-altitude regions. In severe cases, this condition can adversely affect one’s physical health. What are the manifestations of severe altitude sickness?

What Are the Manifestations of Severe Altitude Sickness?

Symptoms of severe altitude sickness include headache and dizziness; in more serious cases, respiratory function may be compromised, accompanied by chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and tinnitus. It is recommended to promptly descend from the high-altitude area to alleviate symptoms. Engaging in moderate aerobic exercise, avoiding heavily polluted environments, and refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption are advised—any irritants may damage vital organs.

Severe altitude sickness requires oxygen therapy or hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment. Patients exhibiting severe symptoms must seek comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment at a hospital. Upon arrival, blood gas analysis, complete blood count, electrocardiogram (ECG), and head CT scan should be performed promptly, followed by immediate oxygen therapy. If available, hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy should be initiated, intravenous access established, and symptomatic treatment administered.

Failure to initiate timely treatment may result in long-term sequelae, the most common of which is cerebral hypoxia. At high altitudes, reduced oxygen availability and low atmospheric pressure lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. This may cause dizziness, headache, visual vertigo, gait instability, and other neurological impairments. Intracranial pressure may also rise—particularly due to hypertension-induced intracranial hypertension during altitude sickness—resulting in optic nerve edema and papilledema. We hope this information proves helpful!