Altitude sickness refers to symptoms of low oxygen, which may occur at elevations of at least 8,000 feet above sea level. 1 Certain medications can prevent or treat this condition. 2 Learn about altitude sickness, acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Altitude sickness is when your body can’t adjust to increases in altitude. Learn how to recognize, treat and prevent it. Altitude sickness can transform an exciting mountain adventure into a potentially dangerous situation with surprising speed. As you ascend to higher elevations, the decreasing oxygen levels can affect your body in numerous ways, from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Whether you’re planning a hiking expedition in the Rockies, a ski trip to the Alps, or even just visiting a high. Learn how to prevent altitude illness among international travelers visiting high altitudes. What is altitude sickness? At higher altitudes, the pressure of the air around you (barometric pressure) decreases so there is less oxygen in surrounding air. People can live comfortably at moderat. People in Colorado experience various stages of altitude sickness every day. Here is how to recognize and prevent it, from UCHealth experts. You can try multiple methods to prevent altitude sickness. The right option for you may depend on your situation. Here are the top tips from experts. Sometimes called “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. The pressure of the air. Altitude sickness, the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a harmful effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. [1][2][3] People's bodies can respond to high altitude in different ways. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, confusion, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. [1] Acute mountain.