Altitude sickness is the result of oxygen deficiency in the body. This can ensue when ascending or traveling via air, in high areas and mountains. This is in accord to the fact that, the higher you go the less oxygen you can seize. It usually causes dizziness and vomiting. This could also happen to adults, especially those who cannot tolerate with low oxygen intake.

Altitude sickness happens to anyone, especially with a little baby. Furthermore, it is a common issue with multiple babies who are brought along with their mothers when traveling airways.  This is because babies body system is still weak, making them hard to cope up with such situations.

There are several types of altitude sickness namely:

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the widespread type, the meekest also.
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) this sickness causes the development of fluid in the brain.
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which affects the lungs.

Common Altitude Sickness Symptoms

Babies suffering from altitude sickness may turn blue or may have difficulty in breathing. If you notice your baby is experiencing such difficulty, bring him to the nearest hospital. A prompt attention is required. The doctor will check the oxygen in the child’s blood and know if your child is suffering from altitude sickness. This is also to check whether he has AMS, HACE or HAPE. Once the exact altitude sickness type is identified, the doctor will then proceed with giving appropriate prescriptions for your baby’s condition.

Acute Mountain Sickness

If your baby is suffering of Acute Mountain Sickness, you must take him to lower altitude areas to assist him in recovering from the sickness, gradually. Symptoms from this kind of altitude sickness may take some time, a couple of days up to a week. Always give your baby enough water to drink to circumvent from dehydration.

Altitude sickness cannot be recognized easily, because symptoms could still occur right after 8 to 36 hours after arriving.  You may notice some unusual changes in your child’s condition and behaviors, such as intricacy in eating or sleeping, or he may become crabby. Vomiting, cough or trouble in breathing may also be experienced.

Altitude Sickness Awareness

If you are planning to travel via airways with your baby, then you ought to consider potential occurrence of the altitude sickness. Though, there is also a possibility that your baby could not suffer from such distress. But traveling in a plane that’s 8,000 feet or maybe higher will take some time to get you to your destination. This entails a greater risk for your baby to develop the symptoms of altitude sickness. In times like this, it is always necessary to be all set, especially with your little baby.

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