Altitude Sickness Prevention: How to Stay Safe at High Elevations

When you climb above 8,000 feet, your body starts struggling to get enough oxygen—that’s altitude sickness, a group of symptoms caused by rapid exposure to low oxygen levels at high elevations. Also known as acute mountain sickness, it can turn a thrilling hike into a dangerous situation if you ignore the signs. It’s not just about being out of shape. Even elite athletes get hit hard if they rush up too fast. The key isn’t strength—it’s how well you let your body adjust.

Acclimatization, the process of your body slowly adapting to lower oxygen levels is your best defense. That means climbing slowly—no more than 1,000 feet per day after 8,000 feet, and taking a rest day every 3,000 feet. Drink water like it’s your job. Skip alcohol and sleeping pills—they mess with your breathing at night. And if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a bad headache, don’t push it. Descending even 1,000 feet can make you feel normal again.

For some people, especially those with past episodes or those heading straight to high altitudes like Tibet or the Andes, acetazolamide, a prescription medication that helps your body adjust faster by increasing breathing rate is a game-changer. It’s not a magic pill, but when taken before and during ascent, it cuts your risk of severe symptoms in half. Others use oxygen therapy, portable oxygen canisters that give quick relief when symptoms hit—useful for climbers, skiers, or even travelers flying into high-altitude cities like La Paz.

What you’ll find in the articles below aren’t just generic tips. You’ll see real strategies people use—how climbers time their ascent to avoid crashes, what foods help with oxygen use, why some people never get sick no matter how fast they climb, and how to spot the difference between normal fatigue and something dangerous. There’s also advice on what to pack, how to talk to your doctor before heading up, and when medication is worth the risk. This isn’t theory. It’s what works for people who’ve been there—and lived to tell the story.