Zermatt is popular for very high mountains which many are over 4000 meter high. Many mountaineers and hikers come to Zermatt to experience the magnificent view high up in the alpine mountains or come to Zermatt because of numerous mountains that can be climbed. There are cable cars that actually take visitors high up in the mountains so they can experience the view without actually climbing. The views up there is absolutely breathtaking. But since most mountains and some cable cars go up high altitudes, some may experience altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. This causes symptoms such as a headache, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. It happens most often when people who are not used to high altitudes go quickly from lower altitudes to about 2438 meters or 8000 feet. For example, you may get a headache when you drive over a high mountain pass, hike to a high altitude, or arrive at a mountain resort. These may occur while in Zermatt since Zermatt is surrounded by many high mountains. Mild altitude sickness is common. Experts do not know who will get it and who will not. Your fitness level nor being male or female plays a role in whether you get altitude sickness.
The symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, which is usually throbbing. It usually gets worse during the night and when you wake up. Loss of appetite, feeling sick to your stomach which may cause some people to vomit. Feeling weak and tired, in severe cases some do not have the energy to eat, dress or do anything. Waking up during the night and not sleeping well and feeling dizzy. The symptoms may be mild to severe. They may not start until a day after you have been at a high altitude. Many people say altitude sickness feels like having a hangover.
Altitude sickness can affect the lungs and brains. When this happens, symptoms include being confused, not being able to walk straight, feeling faint, and having blue or gray lips or fingernails. When this happens, you may hear a sound like a paper bag being crumpled when they breathe. These symptoms mean the condition is severe and it may be deadly. When hiking or climbing high up in the mountains around Zermatt, you will need to know what altitude sickness is so you can prevent it from getting worse and can quickly treat it.
