If you begin to feel symptoms of altitude illness, you are probably near your acclimatisation line. Spending the night at or just below one’s acclimatisation line gives the body time to adjust. It’s also important to increase your fluid intake to counteract symptoms of dehydration induced by dry mountain air and increased respiratory rate. The simplest way to avoid or reduce the symptoms of altitude illness is to ascend slowly to give your body time to become accustomed to changes in oxygen concentration. For most people, this line initially lies somewhere near 2,700 meters, but it can be adjusted by following preventive techniques. Acclimatisation is not completely understood, although there is some evidence that suggests genetic factors might play a part in an individual’s response to altitude.Įach person has his or her own “acclimatisation line.” Below it you probably won’t experience altitude illness, but going above it causes symptoms to begin. Although the human body can adjust to changes in altitude, the process (called acclimatisation) takes time.

If you will be visiting mountain areas you should be prepared to recognise and respond to the symptoms of altitude illness which are caused by the lower level of oxygen available at high elevations.

High altitude sickness