Can You Get Altitude Sickness After Returning Home? Understanding Delayed Symptoms

If you’ve recently returned from a trip to the mountains and are still feeling unwell, you’re not alone. While most people expect altitude-related issues to ease quickly once they descend, it’s not uncommon to experience lingering symptoms. At Cheltenham Travel Clinic, we often receive enquiries about altitude sickness after returning home, and we’re here to clear up the confusion.

Whether you’ve been trekking in the Andes, skiing in the Alps, or visiting the Himalayas, it’s important to understand how your body reacts to changes in altitude—and why some symptoms may persist even after you’ve landed back at sea level.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when your body struggles to adapt to lower oxygen levels at high elevation—typically over 2,500 metres. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Poor sleep

• Loss of appetite

These symptoms usually begin within 6 to 24 hours after arriving at altitude and resolve with acclimatisation or descent.

Can You Experience Symptoms After Returning Home?

This is where many people get confused. Once you descend, oxygen levels normalise, so you’d expect symptoms to disappear. And in many cases, they do. However, some individuals report ongoing or even delayed symptoms of altitude sickness after returning home—sometimes lasting for days.

Here’s what could be happening:

1. Residual Effects of AMS

If you’ve had AMS during your trip and didn’t fully recover before returning home, your body may still be adjusting. Dehydration, poor nutrition, fatigue, and interrupted sleep patterns at altitude can all linger. You may feel run down, sluggish, or foggy for a few days as your system resets.

2. Delayed-Onset AMS

Though rare, some people experience delayed symptoms once they descend. This may be due to a cumulative toll on the body that only becomes apparent once you relax at lower altitudes. It’s not strictly a new case of AMS, but a continuation or resurgence of symptoms as your body transitions back.

3. Jet Lag or Travel Fatigue

If you’ve flown long-haul after your mountain adventure, symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and disturbed sleep may be down to jet lag or general travel fatigue rather than altitude sickness.

4. Undiagnosed Conditions

Sometimes what feels like lingering altitude sickness could actually be another health issue, such as a respiratory infection, sinus problem, dehydration, or even COVID-19. It’s important to consider a broad picture, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

When to Be Concerned

If you’re experiencing any of the following after returning from altitude, we recommend seeking medical advice:

• Severe or worsening headaches

• Persistent shortness of breath

• Chest tightness or rapid heartbeat

• Difficulty walking or confusion

• Ongoing nausea or vomiting

• Symptoms lasting more than a few days with no improvement

These could indicate complications from high altitude such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). While these conditions usually develop at altitude, they can continue to progress for a short time after descent if not treated properly.

What You Can Do at Home

For mild, lingering symptoms of altitude sickness after returning home, here are some self-care tips:

Rest: Give your body time to recover. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.

Stay Hydrated: High altitudes often lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids.

Eat Well: Focus on nutritious foods to replenish your energy and aid recovery.

Sleep: Your sleep may have been disrupted at altitude—prioritise rest at home.

Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of how you’re feeling. If anything worsens or new symptoms appear, consult a healthcare provider.

Future Travel Advice

If you’ve experienced altitude sickness before, it’s worth planning ahead for future trips:

• Ascend slowly and allow time to acclimatise

• Consider medications like acetazolamide for prevention

• Avoid alcohol and stay well-hydrated

• Be prepared to descend if symptoms become severe

• Book a travel health consultation before your trip

At Cheltenham Travel Clinic, we offer comprehensive advice for travellers heading to high-altitude destinations. We’ll help you prepare with altitude prevention plans, medication options, and personalised support based on your itinerary.

Book Your Travel Consultation

Altitude sickness can be unpleasant and, in rare cases, dangerous—but it’s also preventable and manageable with the right approach. If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms or planning another mountain adventure, don’t leave it to chance.

Visit us to book a consultation with Cheltenham Travel Clinic for expert travel health advice tailored to your needs.