The holidays mean travel, and for many of us traveling to the mountains, that can mean altitude sickness. Acute mountain sickness is caused by the lack of oxygen in the lower air pressure that exists at higher altitudes. But treating altitude sickness can be a tricky business,reports The New York Times.There are many types of treatment these days, including oxygen therapies, oils, pills and wristbands. These therapies claim to reduce altitude sickness, but in most cases these claims aren’t backed by research.
Diamox is one of the few proven remedies. However, the drug requires a prescription and can have unpleasant side effects.
Studies involving other hopeful acute mountain sickness treatments have yet to show solid evidence that they work. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to ascend gradually, stopping at a lower altitude for a night.