Altitude Sickness Treatment in India
About Altitude Sickness
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive management focused on diagnosis, medication, and lifestyle guidance.Prevents progression to severe, life-threatening high-altitude illnesses.Provides personalized acclimatization plans for future high-altitude exposure.Often allows for continuation of travel or activity with proper management.Empowers patients with knowledge to recognize and respond to early symptoms.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath after recent ascent above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet).
- Suspected progression to severe forms: High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) with confusion, clumsiness, or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) with a persistent cough and breathlessness at rest.
- Pre-travel consultation for individuals with a history of altitude sickness or planning rapid ascents (e.g., climbing, skiing, trekking).
- Management of chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart or lung disease) in the context of high-altitude travel.
How to prepare
- Consult an internist or travel medicine specialist before your trip, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
- Discuss and obtain prescriptions for preventive medications like acetazolamide, if recommended.
- Plan a gradual ascent itinerary, allowing 1-2 days for acclimatization for every 500-600 meters gained above 2,500 meters.
- Learn to recognize the early symptoms of AMS, HACE, and HAPE.
- Avoid alcohol, sedatives, and strenuous exercise during the first 24-48 hours at high altitude.
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain a high-carbohydrate diet.
Risks & possible complications
- Without treatment, mild AMS can progress to life-threatening HACE (brain swelling) or HAPE (fluid in the lungs).
- Side effects from medications (e.g., tingling from acetazolamide, mood changes from dexamethasone).
- Incomplete resolution of symptoms, potentially cutting a trip short.
- Underlying health conditions may be exacerbated by the hypoxic environment.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate recovery begins with stopping further ascent or descending to a lower altitude, which is the most effective treatment.
- Rest is essential; overexertion can worsen symptoms.
- Continue taking prescribed medications as directed until symptoms fully resolve.
- Maintain hydration and eat light, easy-to-digest meals.
- Symptoms typically improve within 24-48 hours of descending or with medication.
- Follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist after returning to low altitude.
- For future trips, implement the learned acclimatization strategies.
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Typical hospital stay:
0-2 days
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Expected recovery time:
1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering altitude sickness in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for altitude sickness in India include Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform altitude sickness. MediFyr helps you compare internal medicine specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for altitude sickness compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Altitude Sickness in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated internal medicine teams and experience managing patients undergoing altitude sickness.
Gurgaon, India
141 Doctors
My 82-year-old father was admitted with...
My 82-year-old father was admitted with severe pneumonia and multiple complications. Dr. Suhas MS not only managed his complex condition with expertise but took the time to explain every medication change to our family. His compassionate approach made a frightening situation manageable, and Dad is now recovering beautifully at home.
Internal Medicine Specialists for Altitude Sickness
Explore experienced internal medicine specialists who regularly perform altitude sickness and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 21 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 16 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 17 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 10 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 18 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 33 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur
- 24 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 23 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Baner
- 11 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 17 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 10 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 28 Years Experience
- Internal Medicine Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram