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

These are great for those who may experience altitude sickness due to the elevation, which clocks in at 8,754 feet above sea level in town and closer to 9,500 feet in the village. —Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

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

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