Risks of Altitude Sickness in Children: Symptoms to look out for

Every year, many families travel from lower to higher altitudes for various reasons, including work, religious trips, or fun activities like trekking or skiing. While most trips proceed without incident, some children may experience symptoms related to altitude sickness due to the change in altitude.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can occur when you ascend to a higher altitude too quickly. As you go higher, the air becomes thinner, and the availability of oxygen decreases. The reduced oxygen levels pose challenges for a child’s body to adjust to the difference. Young children, who may struggle to express their discomfort, often exhibit nonspecific symptoms and may become unusually silent and still. Although it is generally safe for children to travel to high altitudes, some children are at an increased risk.

Recognizing Symptoms of Altitude Sickness in Children

Children may not exhibit the common symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, nausea, or anorexia. Instead, parents should look for changes in normal behavior, like a reluctance to eat, difficulty sleeping, or unusual irritability. Other nonspecific symptoms include lethargy, food refusal, vomiting, and excessive crying, which can easily be mistaken for routine discomforts. If any child becomes unwell above 2500 meters, they should be considered to have developed acute altitude sickness and treated accordingly.

Children at Increased Risk of Altitude Sickness

Certain children are more susceptible to altitude sickness:
  1. Past History of Altitude Sickness: If a child has experienced altitude sickness before, they are likely to experience it again.
  2. Rapid Ascent: Gradual ascents are recommended. The adage “Climb high, sleep low” is a good guideline to follow.
  3. Acute Illness: Children with upper airway or lung infections are more prone to serious complications at high altitudes.
  4. Heart Defects: Infants and children with congenital heart defects should be evaluated before traveling to high altitudes.
  5. Down Syndrome with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Children with Down syndrome and OSA have a higher risk of hospitalization at altitudes above 1500 meters.
  6. Compromised Lung Function: Diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, severe scoliosis, and neuromuscular diseases increase the risk of altitude sickness.
  7. Very Young Infants: Infants less than six weeks old and babies born prematurely are at increased risk.
  8. Sickle Cell Disease: Children with sickle cell disease should avoid high altitudes due to the risk of crises.
  9. Asthma: Although higher altitudes might reduce allergen exposure, the cold air can still cause breathing difficulties.

Who Should Avoid High Altitudes?

  • Infants less than six weeks old
  • Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy
  • Children with congenital heart defects
  • Children with pulmonary hypertension
  • Children with sickle cell disease
  • Children with Down syndrome and a cardiac shunt or OSA
  • Children with active lung disease

Recommendations for Safe Ascent

Healthy children should ascend slowly to high altitudes and ensure they can quickly descend if issues arise. If children usually live below 1500 meters, avoid sudden climbs to sleeping altitudes above 2800 meters. A gradual ascent of no more than 500 meters per day is recommended. Spending at least one day at intermediate elevations before climbing further, and adding another day for every additional 1000 meters of ascent, can reduce the risk.

Recovery and Prevention

Recovery from altitude sickness depends on the severity and treatment. Descending to a lower altitude usually brings rapid improvement. Symptoms may last from a few hours to a day, with minor symptoms typically ceasing within one to two days as the body adjusts.

Parental Awareness and Preparedness

Educating parents about the risk factors and symptoms of acute altitude sickness equips them to identify and respond to potential issues effectively. This knowledge is invaluable in ensuring the well-being of their children during high-altitude activities, leading to safer and more enjoyable experiences.
By staying informed, parents can take proactive measures and make informed decisions, contributing to a safer and more enjoyable high-altitude experience for both parents and children.
If you’re planning a trip to high altitudes and have concerns about your child’s health, schedule an appointment to check with our doctors. Early evaluation and guidance can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for your family.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit www.accesspediatric.com