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Altitude sickness: Causes, symptoms, and treatment
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Adam Felman on June 4, 2021
Symptoms
Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
Summary
Altitude sickness occurs when a person travels to a high altitude without gradually acclimatizing. It is most prevalent at 8,000 feet or higher and results from a shortage of oxygen.
Altitude sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness, altitude illness, hypobaropathy, Acosta disease, puna, and soroche.
The condition generally occurs at altitudes higher than 8,000 feet (ft), or 2,500 meters (m), and is usually due to a lack of oxygen. A person who is not used to high altitudes is most at risk of developing altitude sickness. The condition is not to be taken lightly and can lead to serious complications.