Ski sickness
Ski Sickness
Ski sickness (pronunciation: /ski: 'sɪknɪs/), also known as altitude sickness, is a pathological effect on the body that occurs when it is exposed to high altitudes. The primary cause of ski sickness is the decrease in oxygen at high altitudes, which can lead to hypoxia.
Etymology
The term "ski sickness" is derived from the activity of skiing, which often takes place at high altitudes, and the word "sickness", which refers to a state of illness or disease. The term "altitude sickness" is more commonly used in medical contexts.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ski sickness can include headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. These symptoms can occur within a few hours of reaching a high altitude and can worsen over time if the individual does not descend to a lower altitude.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of ski sickness primarily involves acclimatization, which is the process of allowing the body to slowly adjust to the decrease in oxygen at high altitudes. This can be achieved by gradually increasing the altitude at which the individual sleeps each night. Treatment for ski sickness can include descent to a lower altitude, oxygen therapy, and medication such as acetazolamide.
Related Terms
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): A mild form of altitude sickness.
- High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): A severe form of altitude sickness that can cause fluid to build up in the lungs.
- High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): A severe form of altitude sickness that can cause swelling in the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ski sickness
- Wikipedia's article - Ski sickness
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