Altitude Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

If you're planning a trip to the mountains for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing, it's important to be aware of a condition called altitude headache. This is a common symptom of altitude sickness, which can occur when you travel to higher elevations, typically starting at around 8,500 feet above sea level.

What Causes Altitude Headaches?

The exact cause of altitude headaches is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the lower levels of oxygen available at higher elevations. When your body doesn't get enough oxygen, a condition called hypoxia, it can lead to various symptoms, including headaches.

Several factors can increase your risk of getting an altitude headache, such as:

• Living at sea level and traveling to high elevations quickly

• Going up in elevation too rapidly (e.g., via ski lift instead of hiking)

• Engaging in strenuous activities like running, climbing, or skiing at high altitudes

Symptoms of Altitude Headaches

The most common symptom of an altitude headache is moderate pain on both sides of the head, which may worsen with coughing, straining, or bending over. The headache typically starts when you reach around 8,500 feet and should go away within 24 hours of descending below 8,200 feet.

Other symptoms of altitude sickness may include:

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Difficulty sleeping

Preventing Altitude Headaches

The best way to prevent altitude headaches is to ascend gradually, allowing your body time to adjust to the change in elevation. Experts recommend limiting your daily ascent to no more than 1,600 feet per day, especially if you're engaging in physical activity.

Other prevention tips include:

• Staying well-hydrated by drinking at least 12 cups of water per day

• Increasing your carbohydrate intake to around 75% of your daily calories

• Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications like barbiturates and sleeping pills

Treating Altitude Headaches

If you develop an altitude headache, the best treatment is to descend to a lower elevation. In more severe cases, supplemental oxygen may be necessary until you can reach a lower altitude.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin may help alleviate headache pain, and some people find relief with the migraine medication sumatriptan. If you're prone to altitude headaches, your doctor may prescribe medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) or corticosteroids to help prevent them.

Remember, if you plan on traveling to high elevations, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss prevention and treatment options that are right for you.