Guides & Advice : Traveler Advice : Tips & Advice Home : Sickness, Disease & Prevention

Altitude

Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The body must acclimatize to high elevations (above 6,000 to 8,000 feet) where less oxygen is available. When you rise in altitude faster than this adjustment can take place, the body might respond to lack of oxygen with dizziness, fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, coughing, or rubbery legs. If symptoms are ignored, fluid can reach the lungs or the brain, and can result in unconsciousness--or worse, in death. If any of the above symptoms are experienced, refrain from strenuous activity, drink plenty of water, and descend in altitude until symptoms diminish.

   
Sickness, Disease & Prevention
Tips & Advice
It's More Than Just an Apple a Day
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large

Post SARS Report on Travel to Canada and Hong Kong
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large

SARS: What Should I Do?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large

Avoiding Illness While Traveling

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: No Serious Danger to Humans

The Facts on Melatonin and Jet Lag

Malaria and Malaria Prevention

Staying Healthy: What Precautions to Take Before Traveling

Take Me to the River: Things to Know before Diving Into Freshwater

Cold

Overview

Aquatic Misadventures: Dodging Dangers in the Sea

Obtaining Health Insurance for Your Next Trip Abroad

Avoiding Sun and Heat Issues

Food and Water Risks

On-the-Fly First Aid

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Animals

Diseases & Viruses

Food & Water

Heat

Insects

Altitude

Staying Healthy While Flying

Need help booking a cruise? Call a Southwest Cruise™ Expert toll-free at  1-888-SHIP-SWA (1-888-744-7792).
Our hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 
southwest.com Home | Reservations | Schedules | Click 'n Save | Travel Center | Rapid Rewards | About SWA
Flight Status | E-Mail Updates | Southwest Cities | Press Room | Investor Relations | Careers
SWA Vacations | Help | Search | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy & Security

© 2009. All rights reserved.
The content and materials on this Web site are subject to the copyright(s) of their respective owners.