Patient's question:
I and my husband recently returned to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It was so clear and bright, as if even further away from the center of the Earth. On the first night we arrived, I started experiencing headaches and nervous exhaustion again. I felt very tired. My husband said this is altitude sickness. What exactly is altitude sickness?Doctor's answer:
Altitude sickness is caused by being in high-altitude areas, where the high elevation leads to thin air and oxygen depletion, resulting in symptoms of edema. Mild altitude sickness can manifest as dizziness and headaches. Severe cases may involve a slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing, and a series of clinical manifestations. When experiencing altitude sickness, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Maintain a light diet. If the symptoms of edema are pronounced, oxygen therapy can be administered.