Altitude Sickness Prevention and Treatment

🚨 Serious Symptoms (Seek urgent help)

In rare cases, altitude sickness can become severe. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Confusion or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty breathing at rest
• Chest tightness
• Persistent cough (especially with fluid)
• Loss of coordination
• Blue or pale skin

👉 These can be signs of serious complications and require urgent descent and medical care.

💊 About the Treatment

We may supply treatment with Acetazolamide where appropriate.

• Helps your body adapt more quickly to lower oxygen levels
• Can reduce the risk and severity of symptoms
• Sometimes used to support recovery if symptoms occur

🧾 Who is this suitable for?

This service may be suitable for:

• Travellers going to high-altitude destinations (e.g. trekking, skiing, climbing)
• Individuals ascending rapidly or with limited time to acclimatise
• Those wanting to reduce their risk of symptoms

🚫 Who may not be suitable?

This treatment may not be suitable if you:

• Have certain medical conditions (e.g. kidney issues)
• Are allergic to sulfonamide medicines
• Are pregnant or taking certain medications

Our pharmacist will carry out a full consultation to ensure this is safe and appropriate for you.

💊 How to take the treatment

• Usually started before ascent and continued during travel
• Exact dosing will be tailored to your trip and medical history

👉 Full instructions will be provided during your consultation.

⚠️ Important Advice

Medication can help — but it does not replace safe travel practices.

• Ascend gradually where possible
• Allow time to acclimatise (1–2 days)
• Stay well hydrated
• Avoid alcohol and overexertion

👉 If symptoms develop:

• Stop ascending
• Rest at the same altitude
• Descend if symptoms persist or worsen

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Increase altitude slowly (especially above 3000m)
• Take regular rest days
• Listen to your body — don’t ignore symptoms
• Inform travel companions if you feel unwell

💉 Private Services Price Guide (Estimated)

We aim to keep our pricing competitive and transparent. However, due to fluctuating supplier costs, the prices below are approximate and may vary slightly at the time of booking.

For an accurate and up-to-date price, please call the pharmacy directly on 01425 613971.

💬 Note: Some vaccines require more than one dose for full protection.

📅 How to Book

Booking is simple.

Use the online booking system on this page to choose a convenient appointment time and attend the pharmacy at your selected slot.

🔎 What to Expect at Your Appointment

• A travel health consultation
• Assessment of your itinerary and altitude exposure
• Personalised advice on prevention and safety
• Supply of medication if appropriate

💬 Questions?

If you’d like to speak to us beforehand, feel free to call 01425 613971 — our team will be happy to help.