Mountain climbers should take basic precautions, such as making gradual ascents to heights greater than 7,000 feet, avoiding overexertion, and watching for symptoms of altitude sickness. Six to eight glasses of water or juice a day prevents dehydration. One study found that drinking alcohol blunted the adaptive breathing response to high altitude and reduced oxygen levels, although other studies have not found any significant association between altitude sickness and alcohol. Nevertheless, it is always wise to avoid alcohol when traveling or climbing to high altitudes. One study found that taking a combination of the antioxidants vitamins A, C, E helped reduce the effects of high altitudes.
Some medications are available for prevention of acute mountain sickness.
It does have side effects, however, and does not reduce the risk of brain swelling or fluid in the lungs. If these symptoms occur, climbers should descend promptly and seek oxygen treatments. Another drug, nifedipine is used to treat high altitude pulmonary edema. This drug, too, is not useful for prevention. Below Sea Level Travelers planning to descend rather than ascend must also take some precautions.