Altitude sickness consultation
From a mild headache and fatigue to the more serious high-altitude pulmonary or cerebral edema, altitude sickness covers a real range. A visit before you head up, or while you're dealing with symptoms, puts prevention strategies and prescription options in place.
1:1 virtual visit with a clinician experienced in travel medicine and wilderness health
Insurance accepted, with clear pricing per visit
A care plan built from your full health history
Visit options
We'll check any insurance and show you your options before you book.
Video Visit
$25
Est. or $100 w/o insurance
Most insurance accepted
Board-certified clinicians
No hidden fees
Available nationwide
What to expect from an altitude sickness visit
1
Share your health story
Answer a few questions about your goals and concerns; we'll gather your full health history from past providers.
2
Meet your clinician
Pick a time that works for you. They'll review your history beforehand, so your visit can be used to listen and dig deeper.
3
Get your care plan
Leave with clear next steps and a personalized care plan. If you need medication, labs, or a specialist, your clinician handles the details.
4
Own your health
Track your progress, schedule follow-ups, and adjust care as your needs evolve.
All your care in one place. That’s the General Medicine difference.
We help you understand your options, connect you to the right clinicians, manage prescriptions, coordinate any needed evaluations, and keep an eye on your overall health along the way. It’s comprehensive care that looks at the full picture — your goals, your history, your lifestyle — and makes it simple to move forward with confidence.
Reasons to book your altitude sickness visit
Planning a trip to high altitude? A short visit before you go can prevent a miserable experience — or help you manage symptoms when you're back.
You're planning to travel or hike above 8,000 feet and want to prepare
You've had altitude sickness before and want to prevent it from happening again
You want to know if preventive medication like acetazolamide is right for you
You returned from a high-altitude trip and symptoms haven't fully resolved
You're not sure what symptoms to watch for or when to descend
You have an underlying heart or lung condition and want to assess your risk
What our customers have to say
“I feel like I’m finally on the right path to improving my health with the right support now! It’s so refreshing and reassuring.”
Emerald
“My experience with General Medicine was amazing. The understanding and care that was taken to figure out what is exactly going on with me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me.”
Kaylee
“I couldn’t be happier with my experience with General Medicine! They are fast, responsive, kind and knowledgeable. It is much easier, more affordable and faster.”
Nika
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Frequently asked questions
What causes altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness (acute mountain sickness) results from reduced oxygen availability at elevation — typically above 8,000 feet. The body needs time to acclimatize; ascending too quickly prevents adequate physiological adjustment. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping, usually appearing within 6 to 24 hours of reaching altitude.
Who is most at risk for altitude sickness?
Prior altitude sickness is the strongest predictor of future episodes. Rapid ascent rate, high altitude reached, and physical exertion are key risk factors. Age, fitness level, and prior altitude exposure don't reliably predict susceptibility — even highly fit individuals can develop AMS.
Can altitude sickness be prevented with medication?
Yes — acetazolamide (Diamox) taken 1–2 days before ascent and continued for 2 days at altitude is effective prophylaxis for people at high risk or ascending rapidly. Dexamethasone is an alternative for those who cannot take acetazolamide. Neither eliminates the need for acclimatization.
When is altitude sickness serious and what should I do?
High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) are life-threatening emergencies — presenting with severe breathlessness, confusion, ataxia, or persistent worsening despite rest. Immediate descent is the most important intervention, alongside supplemental oxygen if available — don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.
What side effects are associated with altitude sickness treatments?
Acetazolamide commonly causes increased urination, tingling in the hands and feet, and altered taste of carbonated beverages. It's a sulfa drug — cross-reactivity in sulfa-allergic individuals is a consideration. Dexamethasone carries standard corticosteroid side effect risks, particularly with prolonged use.