altitude sickness

noun

: the effects (such as headache, nausea, or swelling of the brain) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes having reduced atmospheric pressure see mountain sickness

Examples of altitude sickness in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It is considered an ancient remedy for altitude sickness and has other health benefits, like boosting energy, easing headaches, reducing fatigue and quenching thirst. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

All in all, this is elevated cuisine without the altitude sickness. —Paul Jebara, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2024

Their oxygen supply dwindled, producing a syndrome resembling altitude sickness, due to a miscalculation about photosynthesis. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024

The buildup can lead to altitude sickness—the headaches, nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances that Kong and some of his colleagues experienced firsthand during their time in Tibet. —Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

altitude sickness

noun

al·​ti·​tude sickness ˌal-tə-ˌt(y)üd- 

: the effects (as nosebleed, nausea, headache, or cerebral edema) of oxygen deficiency in the blood and tissues developed at high altitudes with reduced atmospheric pressure