Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Altitude sickness causes

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farima Kahe M.D. [2]

Overview

Overview

Altitude sickness is brought on by the combination of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen concentration that occur at high altitudes.

Causes

Causes

Common Causes

Altitude sickness may be caused by:[1][2]

  • Ascending to a great height too rapidly
  • Live at or near sea level and travel to a high altitude
  • Alcohol or other substances have interfered with acclimatization
  • Medical problems involving the heart, nervous system, or lung
References

References

  1. Taylor AT (January 2011). “High-altitude illnesses: physiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment”. Rambam Maimonides Med J. 2 (1): e0022. doi:10.5041/RMMJ.10022. PMC 3678789. PMID 23908794.
  2. Murdoch D (March 2010). “Altitude sickness”. BMJ Clin Evid. 2010. PMC 2907615. PMID 21718562.

Template:WH Template:WS

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH