← Health · Altitude, heat & cold

Altitude sickness

General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.

🚨 This can be an emergency

If any of these are present, call 102 and go to the nearest emergency hospital now.

Breathlessness at rest or a wet, bubbly cough (HAPE)
Confusion, severe headache, or unable to walk straight (HACE)

First aid while you get help:

Descend at once — do not wait for morning. Keep the person warm and give oxygen if available.
Arrange rescue/evacuation for severe signs; never leave the person alone to descend.

📞 Call 102 now

SmartAnalysis by DigiNepal SI

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) comes from going too high too fast. Its severe forms — fluid on the lungs (HAPE) or brain (HACE) — can kill within hours. Symptoms: Headache, nausea, tiredness, dizziness and poor sleep above ~2,500 m. Danger signs: breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, confusion, or unsteady walking. Descend immediately and get help for breathlessness at rest, a wet/bubbly cough, confusion, or difficulty walking in a straight line — these are HAPE/HACE emergencies. generated by SI from cited sources · general information, not a diagnosis · consult a health professional

Sources: US CDC · US CDC · MedlinePlus (NLM) · MedlinePlus (NLM)

What it is

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) comes from going too high too fast. Its severe forms — fluid on the lungs (HAPE) or brain (HACE) — can kill within hours.

Sources: US CDC

Symptoms

Headache, nausea, tiredness, dizziness and poor sleep above ~2,500 m. Danger signs: breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, confusion, or unsteady walking.

Sources: US CDC

Causes & spread

Lower oxygen at altitude, made worse by climbing too quickly and sleeping too high too soon.

Sources: US CDC

Home care

For mild AMS, stop climbing, rest and drink fluids until it settles. The one rule that saves lives: if symptoms are worsening, descend. Never go higher with worsening symptoms.

Sources: US CDC

When to see a doctor

Descend immediately and get help for breathlessness at rest, a wet/bubbly cough, confusion, or difficulty walking in a straight line — these are HAPE/HACE emergencies.

Sources: US CDC

Prevention

Ascend slowly above 3,000 m (sleep no more than ~300–500 m higher each night), take rest days, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and discuss preventive medicine with a travel clinic.

Sources: US CDC

Nepal notes

Common on Everest, Annapurna and Manaslu treks. CIWEC and Himalayan Rescue Association aid posts (Pheriche, Manang) give advice; know evacuation options.

Sources: US CDC

🏥 Hospitals near you

Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.

🩺 Quick assessment