## Can You Get Altitude Sickness from Skydiving?
### What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a condition that occurs when the body is exposed to high altitude, where the air is thinner and contains less oxygen. Symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild headaches and nausea to severe shortness of breath, confusion, and even death.
### Can You Get Altitude Sickness from Skydiving?
The answer is: yes, it is possible to get altitude sickness from skydiving, although it is not common. Skydiving typically takes place at altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet, which is high enough to cause altitude sickness in some people. However, the risk of altitude sickness during skydiving is relatively low because the exposure to high altitude is brief, typically lasting only a few minutes.
### Symptoms of Altitude Sickness from Skydiving
The symptoms of altitude sickness from skydiving are typically mild and may include:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Confusion
### Risk Factors for Altitude Sickness
The risk of getting altitude sickness from skydiving is increased by the following factors:
Age: People over the age of 50 are more likely to experience altitude sickness.
Physical conditioning: People who are not in good physical condition are more likely to experience altitude sickness.
Rapid ascent: Ascending to high altitude too quickly increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Dehydration: Being dehydrated increases the risk of altitude sickness.
Alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption before or during skydiving can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
### How to Prevent Altitude Sickness from Skydiving
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting altitude sickness from skydiving, including:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your skydive.
Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol before or during your skydive.
Ascend slowly: If possible, ascend to altitude gradually over a period of several hours.
Get plenty of rest: Get a good night’s sleep before your skydive.
Listen to your body: If you start to experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, stop your ascent and descend to a lower altitude.
### Treatment for Altitude Sickness from Skydiving
If you do experience altitude sickness during skydiving, the best treatment is to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. Symptoms of altitude sickness will typically improve within a few hours once you descend to a lower altitude.
In some cases, oxygen may be necessary to treat altitude sickness. If you are experiencing severe symptoms of altitude sickness, such as confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, seek medical attention immediately.
### Conclusion
While the risk of getting altitude sickness from skydiving is low, it is still important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors. By taking the necessary precautions, you can reduce your risk of altitude sickness and enjoy your skydiving experience.