Everest Base Camp sits at approximately 5,364 metres. The classic trek from Lukla involves a gradual ascent over two weeks, but the altitude is severe enough to affect most trekkers at some stage.
Planning a high-altitude trip? Get a same-day consultation, risk assessment, and private prescription for Diamox at Ingrave Pharmacy and Travel Clinic in Brentwood
Book online or call us for weekday appointments. Walk-ins welcome; booking ahead is recommended.
Our prescriber reviews your travel plans and medical history to check if medication is suitable.
Receive a same-day private prescription, written advice, and a plan to manage potential symptoms.
Altitude sickness occurs when your body cannot adapt quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitude. Most people begin to feel effects above 2,500 metres, though some are affected at lower elevations.
It is not a sign of poor fitness. Even experienced mountaineers and trekkers can develop symptoms. The faster you ascend, the less time your body has to acclimatise.
The most common form. Causes headache, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. Usually manageable with rest and medication.
Fluid builds up in the lungs. A medical emergency requiring immediate descent and treatment.
Fluid builds up in the brain. Rare but potentially fatal. Requires urgent evacuation to lower altitude
The primary cause is ascending too quickly. At altitude, atmospheric pressure drops, meaning each breath delivers less oxygen to your bloodstream.
Your body responds by increasing breathing rate and producing more red blood cells. This process takes time. When the ascent outpaces acclimatisation, symptoms develop.
Symptoms of AMS typically appear within six to twelve hours of arriving at altitude. Common signs include:
Symptoms that worsen, or include confusion, persistent dry cough, or loss of coordination, indicate progression to HAPE or HACE. Descend immediately and seek emergency care.
Anyone travelling above 2,500 metres can develop altitude sickness, regardless of age, fitness, or previous mountain experience. However, certain factors increase your risk.
The strongest predictor of future episodes
Flying directly into high-altitude cities like La Paz or Lhasa
Pushing physically hard in the first 24 to 48 hours
Compounds the physiological stress of altitude
Some can worsen symptoms or interact with Diamox
Respiratory or cardiac conditions may increase the risk
Diamox (acetazolamide) is the most widely recommended altitude sickness medicine for prevention and treatment of AMS. It works by stimulating faster, deeper breathing, which helps your body take in more oxygen at altitude.
Acetazolamide is prescribed off-label for altitude sickness. This is a well-established and widely recommended use, and your prescriber will explain what that means at your consultation.
Our independent prescriber will confirm the appropriate dosage for your trip and health profile at your consultation. Altitude sickness medicine is not a substitute for sensible acclimatisation, but it significantly reduces the risk of developing AMS.
Acetazolamide is generally well-tolerated, but side effects do occur. The most common ones include:
Diamox is not suitable for everyone. The following groups require extra assessment before a prescription can be issued.
Please note that our altitude sickness service is for adults aged 18 years and over.
We recommend booking your consultation at least two to four weeks before your departure date. This gives time to review your full travel plan, address any other travel health needs such as vaccines or antimalarials, and ensure you start Diamox at the right point before your ascent. If your trip is sooner, contact us on 01277 229203. We can often accommodate urgent appointments, and private prescriptions can be issued on the day of consultation.
Our independent prescriber assesses your altitude risk and issues a private acetazolamide prescription on the same day, with no GP appointment needed first.
We review your full itinerary, planned ascent rate, and medical history to give you personalised altitude sickness advice, not a generic one-size approach.
Every altitude sickness consultation is led by Christopher Okworu, a qualified independent prescriber with specialist experience in travel medicine and high-altitude health.
We check for sulfa allergies, kidney conditions, interacting medications, and other factors that affect Diamox suitability before any prescription is issued.
If your trip also requires antimalarials or other travel preparations, we can cover everything in a single appointment at our Brentwood travel clinic.
You can book directly online or by phone and be seen within days. There is no need to navigate a GP referral before getting your altitude sickness tablets.
We are conveniently located in Ingrave and provide pharmacy services to patients across the wider Brentwood district and beyond.
Brentwood CM13 2BN, United Kingdom
ingravepharmacy@gmail.com
Bus 21 & 79 stop right outside
No. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You need a consultation with a prescriber before it can be dispensed.
Most travel insurance policies do not cover pre-travel prescriptions. We recommend checking your policy terms directly with your insurer before your appointment.
Some blood pressure medicines interact with acetazolamide. Our independent prescriber will review your full medication list at consultation before issuing any prescription.
Yes. A review is required each time to confirm your current health status, any medication changes, and the specific altitude profile of your new trip.
Most consultations take around 20 to 30 minutes. If you are combining altitude advice with antimalarials or travel vaccines, allow a little longer.
Don’t risk altitude sickness. Get expert travel advice and a same-day prescription at Ingrave Pharmacy. Book your appointment online or contact us.
