Altitude Sickness Treatment at Batley Pharmacy
Prepare for the peaks, stay safe at high altitudes with altitude sickness medication and expert support provided at Batley Pharmacy!
Jet Lag Remedies and Treatment Options
Batley Pharmacy offers jet lag remedies and treatments tailored to your destination, health status, and travel plans.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS is the most common and mildest form of altitude sickness. Symptoms begin within hours of arrival at high elevation and are usually manageable with rest, hydration and gradual acclimatisation.
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE)
HAPE is a serious condition leading to the buildup of fluid in the lungs. It causes severe breathlessness and a persistent cough (accompanied by frothy or blood-tinged sputum), which requires immediate medical attention.
High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE)
HACE is the most severe form of altitude sickness that causes swelling in the brain. It is characterised by loss of coordination, confusion, hallucinations and in advanced cases, coma. Emergency treatment is needed to prevent fatal outcomes.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Common altitude sickness symptoms include:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Difficulty sleeping
In more severe cases, altitude sickness can escalate to high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE). These are life-threatening conditions and require immediate descent with emergency medical care.
Who is at risk?
- Have never previously been to high altitudes
- Have had a history of altitude sickness
- Are trekking, skiing or climbing in mountainous regions
- Pre-existing lung or heart conditions
Reduce your risk of illness by planning with the right advice and medications offered at Batley Pharmacy.
Altitude sickness medication and remedies
There are many altitude sickness treatment options, including;
Acetazolamide
This is a widely used medication that helps you adjust faster by balancing oxygen levels in your body. It is typically taken before and during ascent.
Anti-nausea tablets
These are taken to prevent or manage gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting.
Natural remedies
Our expert team can guide you on supportive therapies, hydration sachets or electrolyte powders while you’re on the journey.
Need help choosing the best tablets for altitude sickness? Our pharmacists will assess your health profile and travel plans to guide you. Book your altitude sickness medication today!
When to take altitude sickness pills?
Prevention of Altitude Sickness
We provide tailored guidance for how to prevent altitude sickness.
Ascend gradually
Ideally, do not ascend more than 300-500 metres per day and incorporate rest days for every 600-900 metres.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can worsen symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and oral rehydration solutions.
Avoid overexertion
Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours after reaching a new altitude and limit strenuous exercise.
Spend time acclimatising
Before ascending higher, spend a few days at a moderate altitude. This gives your body time to adjust.
Eat light meals
Choose easily digestible meals to support energy levels and avoid heavy meals during the initial days.
Monitor early symptoms
Be aware of common symptoms, and if they occur, stop ascending and rest to prevent them from worsening.
When to take altitude sickness pills?
Expert travel advice
Access to altitude sickness medications
Quick prescription service
Itinerary-based risk assessment
One-stop travel treatment centre
FAQs
How long does altitude sickness last?
Mild symptoms typically resolve within 24 to 72 hours after the body starts adjusting. However, if the ascent continues or the symptoms worsen, it can persist or develop into serious complications.
Can altitude sickness be treated at home?
Yes, mild AMS can often be managed with rest, hydration, and altitude sickness medication like acetazolamide. In severe cases, urgent medical attention and descent are needed.
Is altitude sickness dangerous?
While mild AMS is manageable, severe forms like HAPE or HACE are life-threatening and require immediate treatment or descent.
How to acclimate to high altitude quickly?
To acclimate to high altitude, climb gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and smoking, rest for the first 24–48 hours, and consider altitude sickness pills like acetazolamide to speed up the body’s adjustment.
Do I need medication for altitude sickness?
If you’re ascending above 2,500 metres, especially without time for acclimatisation or with a history of AMS, altitude sickness medication may be recommended. Our experts at Batley Pharmacy can help you choose the best option.
When should I take altitude sickness tablets before hiking?
Start 12–24 hours before ascending and continue during your stay, depending on your risk level and destination.