What is altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a natural physiological response that occurs when the body adapts to changes such as air pressure differences, lower oxygen levels, and dry air caused by reaching a certain altitude. Symptoms generally appear at altitudes around 2,700 meters. Some first-time visitors to high-altitude areas may experience headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, general fatigue, difficulty walking, and trouble sleeping within 24 hours at an altitude of 3,000 meters. In severe cases, symptoms include abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cyanosis of the face and lips, or facial swelling. If these symptoms occur, it’s advised to rest at the current altitude for 3–5 days or descend immediately by several hundred meters—normal conditions usually return afterward.
Reports indicate that the incidence of altitude sickness is between 37% and 51% below 3,500 meters, and reaches 50% between 3,600 and 5,000 meters. This shows that the higher the altitude, the greater the likelihood of altitude sickness.
Severe altitude sickness can be quite harmful to the body. Therefore, after entering a high-altitude area, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consider that altitude sickness may have occurred:
Severe headache, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and cyanosis of the lips and fingernails.
Mental confusion and a sudden decline in cognitive ability. This mainly manifests as difficulty in calculation. By timing how long it takes to complete a simple addition problem before entering a high-altitude area, and then repeating the same task once symptoms appear—if it takes longer than before, it indicates that altitude sickness has likely set in.
Hallucinations, feeling warm, and often aimlessly following others.
Whether altitude sickness occurs varies from person to person and is difficult to predict before ascending. Physically weaker individuals may not necessarily have stronger reactions, while those who are physically strong may still experience symptoms. Each person's reaction also differs. Generally speaking, thin people fare better than overweight ones, women better than men, shorter people better than taller ones, and younger people better than older ones.

People who are not suitable for high-altitude travel
Those with significant heart, lung, brain, liver, or kidney conditions, as well as those with severe anemia or high blood pressure, should not enter high-altitude areas blindly. If you’ve never been to high altitudes before, it’s recommended that you undergo a thorough physical examination before going.
Tourists with organic diseases, severe anemia, or serious hypertension have poor adaptability to the high-altitude environment. In the early stages of entering such areas, they are at significantly higher risk of acute altitude sickness compared to others. Prolonged stays also increase their susceptibility to various chronic altitude-related illnesses. Additionally, as the body adapts to the high-altitude environment, the compensatory activity of important organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys increases, placing extra burden on them. Should any of these organs become diseased, it can worsen the condition further.
If you’re unsure whether you can participate in high-altitude travel, it’s advisable to consult an experienced doctor and proceed with caution.

Specific physiological manifestations of altitude sickness
After moving from a plain area to a high-altitude region, the body’s regulatory changes are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
(1) Pulse (heart rate): The normal pulse rate at plain level is 72 beats per minute. Upon initial arrival at high altitude, it can increase to 80–90 beats per minute, and in some individuals, even over 100 beats per minute. After staying for a period, it may return to normal.
(2) Breathing: When the respiratory system experiences mild hypoxia, the first sign is deeper and faster breathing. As hypoxia worsens, the respiratory rate further increases, leading to feelings of chest tightness and shortness of breath. After adaptation, it gradually returns to previous levels.
(3) Blood pressure: Normal systolic blood pressure at plain level is 110–120 mmHg, and diastolic pressure is 70–80 mmHg. Upon initial entry to high altitude, due to the effects of vascular receptors and bodily fluids, the blood vessels in the skin and abdominal organs constrict, raising blood pressure to ensure adequate blood supply to the coronary arteries of the heart and the cerebral blood vessels. After adaptation, blood pressure returns to normal.
(4) Nervous system: The central nervous system, especially the brain, is highly sensitive to hypoxia. With mild hypoxia, the overall excitability of the nervous system increases—manifesting as tension, irritability, followed by headaches, dizziness, insomnia, and forgetfulness. Upon reaching higher altitudes, this shifts from excitation to inhibition, showing symptoms like drowsiness, apathy, and delayed reactions. A small number of severe cases may experience loss of consciousness or even coma, though these usually return to normal upon descent to lower altitudes. The severity of neurological symptoms is often closely related to one’s psychological state and emotions. Those who fear high altitudes or lack mental preparation tend to have more intense reactions; conversely, those in good spirits exhibit fewer symptoms.
(5) Digestive system: Upon entering high altitudes, the secretion of digestive glands and gastrointestinal motility are inhibited. Except for a slight increase in pancreatic secretion, other secretions involved in food digestion—such as saliva, intestinal fluid, and bile—are reduced compared to plain levels, significantly weakening gastrointestinal function. This may result in symptoms like loss of appetite, abdominal bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and upper abdominal pain. These symptoms typically improve gradually after living at high altitude for some time.
If you continue to feel unwell in high-altitude areas, you should seek medical treatment. Most importantly, don’t go to high altitudes carrying a mental burden of fear.
Preparation before entering high-altitude areas
(1) Before heading to high altitudes, you can consult people with experience living there to understand precautions, so you’re mentally prepared and avoid unnecessary anxiety.
(2) Before entering high-altitude regions, avoid smoking and alcohol to prevent upper respiratory infections. Avoid excessive fatigue and get plenty of rest to build up strength. Consider taking American ginseng or similar supplements to enhance your body’s anti-hypoxia capability. If you have a respiratory infection, make sure to recover fully before ascending.
(3) Good psychological resilience is the best remedy for overcoming and beating altitude sickness. Numerous examples show that maintaining an optimistic and open-minded attitude and building strong self-confidence can reduce the physical discomfort brought by altitude sickness. Conversely, being worried, overthinking, or becoming overly anxious at the slightest discomfort increases oxygen consumption in brain tissue, thereby intensifying discomfort and prolonging recovery time.
(4) If you’ve never been to high altitudes, it’s essential to undergo a strict physical examination before going. People with severe anemia or hypertension should not enter high-altitude areas blindly.

Precautions during the journey to high-altitude areas
(1) You should prepare oxygen supplies and medications for acute altitude sickness as much as possible. Commonly used medications include sedatives, diuretics, vitamins, and adrenal corticosteroids. You can also bring vitamin-rich fruits for easy access and timely nutrition. It’s also wise to carry medications for colds, antibiotics, and vitamin supplements, just in case.
(2) You may take some altitude sickness medication and health supplements that help alleviate altitude sickness about a week in advance:
Rhodiola rosea capsules. Function: Improve hypoxia tolerance and relieve fatigue. Help prevent, alleviate, and reduce the occurrence of altitude sickness. Usage: Start taking 3-5 days before departure to prevent altitude sickness; continue taking for 2 days after returning home to prevent oxygen deprivation symptoms.
Rhodiola and its preparations: A traditional health food of Tibetan people, helps enhance physical fitness and relieve altitude sickness. Take 10 days before entering high-altitude areas.
(3) Due to the cold climate and large temperature differences between day and night in high-altitude areas, ensure you have enough warm clothing to avoid catching a cold. Both cold exposure and respiratory infections can trigger acute altitude sickness.
(4) If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness during the journey to high-altitude areas, treat them immediately. Take aminophylline promptly or sublingually administer 20 mg of nifedipine. In severe cases, supplemental oxygen should be provided. If symptoms such as severe chest tightness, intense coughing, difficulty breathing, pink frothy sputum, delayed reactions, lethargy, or even loss of consciousness occur, in addition to the above treatments, seek emergency medical help at a nearby hospital as soon as possible, or descend to a lower-altitude area for treatment and recovery.
(5) Since traveling to high-altitude areas by train takes a relatively long time, with limited rest and high physical exertion en route, in addition to preparing the items mentioned above, also bring water or beverages and easily digestible, palatable food to timely replenish the body’s needed water and calories.

Precautions upon arriving at high altitudes
(1) Upon first arriving at high altitudes, everyone may experience varying degrees of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing—symptoms of hypoxia. However, this does not mean you are not adapted to the altitude. With proper self-care, these symptoms usually improve or disappear within 2–4 days.
(2) If you fly to a high-altitude area, symptoms of altitude sickness generally appear around 12–14 hours after arrival. Therefore, do not engage in strenuous activity right after arriving; instead, rest in bed immediately. Otherwise, once you start feeling symptoms, it will take longer to adapt.
(3) People often use oxygen inhalation to relieve chest discomfort. While oxygen can temporarily alleviate symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, the symptoms will reappear once oxygen is stopped, delaying your adaptation to the altitude. If your symptoms are not severe, it is recommended that you avoid using oxygen, as this will help you adapt to the high-altitude environment more quickly. Mild altitude sickness often resolves on its own without treatment; avoid relying on oxygen too readily to prevent dependency.
(4) After arriving in Tibet, eat more carbohydrates and easily digestible foods; drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated; avoid overeating at dinner. It is best not to drink alcohol or smoke. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and other vitamin-rich foods.
(5) Avoid excessive fatigue, and maintain regular eating and sleeping patterns. During the first few days at high altitudes, refrain from frequent bathing to prevent catching a cold due to chill. Colds are a major cause of acute high-altitude pulmonary edema (and are difficult to cure under hypoxic conditions).
(6) During your stay in Tibet, avoid overly frequent travel activities and excessive physical strain. When you first arrive, do not walk quickly, run, or perform strenuous labor. After one week, gradually increase your activity level. Avoid binge eating to prevent overburdening your digestive system; do not drink alcohol or smoke; eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, drink water in moderation, keep warm, bathe less to avoid catching a cold or becoming exhausted.
(7) Be aware that if symptoms worsen after arriving at high altitudes—especially when they remain obvious even at rest—you should immediately use oxygen and seek medical attention. In rare cases of high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema, patients require substantial oxygen intake and, alongside medication, must be quickly transferred to lower-altitude areas.
(8) Those who regularly exercise and are in good physical condition may experience very mild altitude sickness and recover quickly. However, do not become overconfident or push yourself too hard. Especially before ascending to new elevations, allow for one or two days of gradual acclimatization. Without proper adaptation and preparation, do not suddenly enter areas above 5,000 meters in altitude to avoid unexpected emergencies. In short, regardless of age or gender, and whether physically strong or weak, maintaining a healthy and optimistic mindset is crucial. As long as you follow the above guidelines, you’ll quickly overcome altitude sickness after arriving in Tibet, coming with joy and leaving with satisfaction.

Basic treatment for altitude sickness
For headaches, common painkillers are very effective and less irritating to the stomach. Aspirin works too but is more stomach-irritating. In general, most pain relief medications can be used.
If blood pressure is too high, use Jiangyaling (a medication for early-stage hypertension), along with a small dose of diuretic tablets.
Edema: Areas affected more by gravity, such as the eyes and lower limbs, are prone to swelling. Shallow indentations on the skin indicate mild edema, which can be treated with aminophylline, which has diuretic and vasodilating effects and works quite well. For more severe edema, use hydrochlorothiazide—100 mg per tablet, just one tablet, 1–3 times a day, with effects visible in five or six hours. You can also use diuretic tablets, 25 mg per tablet, just one tablet, with a small dosage. However, furosemide tablets have greater side effects and are not recommended.
You can take certain medications to alleviate altitude sickness: Gaoyuan’an (take at least 1–2 days in advance, and continue for 3–5 days after arriving in Tibet), American ginseng lozenges, Nuodikang capsules (very helpful for relieving extreme fatigue), Bufferin (controls altitude sickness-induced headaches), American ginseng (very helpful for relieving extreme fatigue), Quick-acting Heart-Saving Pills (do not take excessively), Salvia miltiorrhiza pills (for cardiovascular issues), glucose solution, etc. For those with strong altitude adaptability, symptoms typically disappear within 1–3 days; those with weaker adaptability may need 3–7 days.
If you can get used to the taste of butter tea, drinking more of it can also help alleviate altitude sickness to some extent.
Special recommendation: An economical and effective little secret recipe for combating altitude sickness. Try this formula—it works very well and is cost-efficient.
Morning: 1 vitamin C tablet
Morning, noon, and evening: 3 inosine tablets and 3 compound salvia miltiorrhiza tablets each time

Anti-altitude sickness medication
Warning: Many medications come with side effects and unknown effects, so use them with caution and preferably under a doctor’s guidance!!!
Rhodiola rosea capsules. Function: Improve hypoxia tolerance and relieve fatigue. Help prevent, alleviate, and prevent the occurrence of altitude sickness. Usage: Start taking 3-5 days before departure to prevent altitude sickness; continue taking for 2 days after returning home to prevent oxygen deprivation symptoms.
Painkillers: Panadol, Feldene
Gastrointestinal medications: Loperamide, Norfloxacin, Huoxiang Zhengqi capsules, Weiqi
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Sulfonamides, Spiramycin, Cefalexin capsules, Ofloxacin
Nasal and throat medications: Nasal external ointment, Herba Houttuyniae lozenges, Jinshashenghuo throat lozenges
Vitamins: 21 Golden Multivitamin, Bone Density Calcium, Garlic Oil Capsules, Lycopene
Trauma Medications: Zheng Hong Hua Oil, Yunnan Baiyao, Band-Aids, Iodine Tincture, Gauze, Adhesive Tape, Alcohol Cotton Balls
Eye Care: Eye Drops, Eye Ointment
Cold Medications: Baibaihei (Day & Night), Cold Capsules, Yin Qiao Tablets
First Aid Supplies: Oxygen Bag, Cotton Balls, Gauze, Bandages, White Adhesive Tape, Mosquito Repellent Flower Dew
Sleeping Pills or Nerve-Calming Brain Tonic
Acute Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis: Ruibeike (Oral Gentamicin)
Cardiovascular Diseases: Danshen Dropping Pills
Acute Respiratory Infections: Cephalosporin Antibiotics
To Prevent Excessive Internal Heat: Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bovine Bezoar Detoxification Tablets)
Motion Sickness: Glucose + Chlorpheniramine + Vitamin B6 (preferably in injectable form); this trio, when taken together, is extremely effective for treating motion sickness in high-altitude areas and is available there.
AOMOXI Carry-Oxygen Tablets: A fast-acting anti-altitude sickness supplement that does not require advance intake; take 4 tablets upon onset of altitude sickness and symptoms will be alleviated within half an hour.
Bufferin (note: it’s the “Jiahe” type, like Fenbid Phenyltab, both being phenyltab formulations): Helps control headaches caused by altitude sickness. Fenbid Phenyltab is also commonly carried by travelers.
American Ginseng: Helps relieve fatigue, boost physical condition, and reduce altitude sickness.
Quick-Acting Heart-Saving Pills: Take during acute onset of altitude sickness to help relieve symptoms.
Danshen Pills: Treat cardiovascular conditions. Also helps alleviate altitude sickness.

For those with strong adaptability to high altitudes, altitude sickness symptoms usually subside within 1–2 days; those with weaker adaptability may need 3–7 days. Ye Liang experienced splitting headaches for five straight days and nights during his first work trip to Tibet, leaving him with no mood to enjoy the scenery or entertainment. He finally rushed back inland after finishing his time at the Duilongdeqing production line. This is a huge waste, especially for travelers with limited time. We hope everyone can prepare in advance to minimize negative experiences and have a perfect high-altitude holiday. Because Tibet is truly beautiful; because the plateau is truly beautiful.

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