Prednisone, a corticosteroid, suppresses your body’s natural inflammatory response. This includes the body’s response to altitude sickness, meaning you’ll experience symptoms more severely or at lower altitudes than usual. Individuals taking prednisone should consider altitude changes carefully.
Understanding the Risk
Prednisone impairs your body’s ability to acclimatize to reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes. This can lead to a faster onset and more intense symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The higher the dose and the longer you take prednisone, the greater your risk. Even a relatively small increase in altitude could trigger problems.
Mitigation Strategies
Consult your doctor before traveling to high altitudes while on prednisone. They may recommend adjusting your medication dosage or exploring alternative options. Ascent should be slow and gradual, allowing your body sufficient time to adjust. Adequate hydration is critical. Monitor your symptoms closely and seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms. Consider using supplemental oxygen at high altitudes.
