At Vivo Pharmacy, we help travellers prepare for all kinds of adventures. One of the most common questions for trekking holidays is how to manage the effects of high altitudes. Everest Base Camp altitude is significant, with the trek taking you to heights where the air is much thinner and oxygen levels drop. Without proper preparation, altitude sickness can affect even the fittest individuals; therefore, it is essential to know the steps you can take before you travel.

Why Altitude Affects the Body

At sea level, your body is used to breathing air with a normal oxygen concentration. As you climb higher, the air pressure decreases, meaning there is less oxygen available for your body to use. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea.

Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness or age, and it often begins at heights above 2,500 metres. Everest Base Camp sits at over 5,000 metres, making it a high-risk environment for travellers who do not allow enough time to adjust. The reduced oxygen can also impact sleep quality and physical performance, which is why a structured plan is essential for a safe and enjoyable trek.

Medication Options for Prevention

For many travellers, medication can be a valuable tool to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. One of the most widely used medications is acetazolamide, also known as Diamox. This helps the body adapt to lower oxygen levels more quickly by stimulating breathing and balancing acid levels in the blood.

Your pharmacist or travel health professional can advise you on whether medication is suitable for you, based on your medical history, trip itinerary, and possible side effects. In some cases, other treatments may be recommended, such as dexamethasone for certain high-altitude emergencies.

At our Bristol travel clinic, we can review your plans and help you determine whether medication should be part of your preparation. It is best to discuss this well ahead of your trip so that you have time to start your course at the right point before you ascend.

Building in Acclimatisation Days

No matter how effective medication can be, nothing replaces the benefit of gradual acclimatisation. Most successful Everest Base Camp itineraries include regular rest days at intermediate altitudes. This allows your body to adapt to the changing oxygen levels slowly, reducing the chance of severe altitude sickness.

A good rule is to avoid ascending more than 300 to 500 metres in sleeping altitude each day once above 2,500 metres. If you feel unwell, you should not climb higher until your symptoms improve. For some treks, it may be necessary to descend and recover before attempting to climb again.

If your trip involves multiple high-altitude locations, ensure you plan your route to give your body as much time as possible to adjust between stages.

Combining Medication with Natural Strategies

Even with preventive medication, lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference to your comfort at high altitudes. These include:

• –> Avoiding dehydration and not drinking an excessive amount of alcohol or caffeine

• –> Eating light but energy-rich meals to support your body’s needs

• –> Walking at a steady pace rather than rushing

• –> Wearing layers to regulate body temperature and prevent fatigue

• –> Sleeping slightly elevated if you experience breathing difficulties at night

These natural strategies work alongside medication to improve your body’s ability to cope. They also give you more control over your trek, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without being held back by altitude-related discomfort.

Other Locations That May Require Altitude Sickness Medication

While Everest Base Camp is one of the most famous high-altitude trekking destinations, it is far from the only place where altitude sickness is a concern. Other popular travel spots include:

• –> The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru

• –> Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

• –> The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

• –> La Paz in Bolivia

• –> Certain ski resorts in the Alps and Rockies

Even urban destinations like Cusco or Lhasa can be at altitudes high enough to trigger symptoms in some travellers. If you have a trip planned to any of these areas, it is worth consulting a travel health professional to discuss whether medication and acclimatisation planning are needed.

Enjoying High Altitude Travel

Travelling to high-altitude destinations like Everest Base Camp is an exciting and rewarding challenge, but it requires careful planning to avoid the potentially serious effects of altitude sickness. By understanding how altitude impacts your body, considering preventive medication, and allowing time for acclimatisation, you can significantly reduce your risks.

At Vivo Pharmacy’s Bristol travel clinic, we offer tailored advice, prescribe altitude sickness medication when appropriate, and provide practical tips for safe and enjoyable high-altitude travel. Reach out or book your appointment today.

Whether you are trekking in Nepal, climbing Kilimanjaro, or visiting the Andes, the right preparation will help ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.