High-Altitude Medical

HANDBOOK

HIGH-ALTITUDE COMMANDMENTS
I. Make the most of your time
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PRE-EXPEDITION CHECKLIST
A trip to the mountains should never
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ACCLIMATIZATION
HIGH-ALTITUDE CONDITIONS I will help make your
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ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)
ALTITUDE-RELATED ILLNESSES Illnesses caused by reduced oxygen
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HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE)
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is the
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SLEEP APNEA

If you are being treated for sleep apnea, it is essential to consult a sleep specialist before traveling to high-altitude areas. Hypoxia at high altitude can worsen sleep apnea symptoms.

 

People with sleep apnea have an impaired response of chemoreceptors to low oxygen and are more susceptible to High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). Traveling to high altitude is particularly risky for those whose oxygen saturation (SaO₂) is already low at sea level.

 

PRE-EXPEDITION CONSULTATION

 

A visit to your doctor allows you to assess the risks associated with high-altitude travel and to adjust your expedition plan accordingly. It is also an opportunity to discuss preventive medications and adapt CPAP therapy settings if you use such devices.

 

MEDICATIONS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

 

Acetazolamide can reduce apnea episodes and slow breathing in people with sleep apnea, making it a recommended prophylactic medication before and during high-altitude exposure.

 

Travelers using CPAP machines should adjust the device settings in advance to account for decreasing atmospheric pressure as altitude increases.

 

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

 

➤ Sleep apnea increases the risk of high-altitude complications, including HAPE.

➤ Individuals with low oxygen saturation at sea level should avoid high-altitude travel.

➤ Pre-expedition consultation, proper medication, and equipment adjustments are critical for safety.

 

 

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

 

If you want to better prepare your health for trekking or a high-altitude expeditions, check out the expanded guide in the ebook "High-Altitude Medicine for Trekkers and Climbers" >>

 

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Gain practical skills for handling emergencies in the mountains through our online training "High-Altitude First Aid" >> - prepared for those planning trips to high altitudes.

 

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 For a detailed list of what to include in your expedition medical kit and step-by-step instructions for assembling your personal first aid set, see the ebook "High-Altitude Expedition Medical Kit Guide" >>

 

PLANNING A TREK OR A HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPEDITION?

 

If you would like to check whether your health condition allows you to safely participate in a trek or high-altitude expedition, consider booking a medical consultation >> or using a telemedical expedition package >>

 

This allows you to assess potential health risks in advance, prepare properly fot altitude, and increase your safety during the expedition.

07 March 2026

The company was established in 2004. The goal of MedEverest is education in the field of mountain medicine and the dangers of high altitudes. I deal with all medical aspects of staying at high altitude. I organize medical support for trekking and high-altitude expeditions.

 

Specialist Medical Practice Medeverest Robert Szymczak based in Gdańsk (80-360), at ul. Bolesława Krzywoustego 19F, NIP: 5841943576, REGON: 220148318.

 

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