Altitude sickness is typically mild but can sometimes turn very serious − a high-altitude medicine physician explains how to safely prepare
- Written by Brian Strickland, Senior Instructor in Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Altitude sickness is rare at elevations of less than 8,200 feet but becomes much more common at higher altitudes.Maya Karkalicheva/Moment via Getty ImagesEquipped with the latest gear and a thirst for adventure, mountaineers embrace the perils that come with conquering the world’s highest peaks. Yet, even those who tread more cautiously at...

