Altitude Sickness

This passage describes what happens when someone experiences altitude sickness.

Lexile Level: 970L

Categories: Sports & Health

If you like to hike or ski in the mountains, you could get altitude sickness. The higher you climb, the less oxygen the air contains. If you aren't used to high elevations, your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air. If you're healthy, you can probably safely go from sea level to 8,000 feet in a few days. But when you go above 8,000 feet, don't go up faster than 1,000 feet per day. The closer you live to sea level, the longer it will take your body to get used to a high altitude. It also helps to sleep at a lower altitude than you're in during the day. If you get a headache, feel weak and out of breath, or have an upset stomach, be sure to rest until you feel fine again. If you don't start feeling better, go to a lower altitude.