Can I beat altitude sickness?

Chris Walton, head of fitness at The Third Space, replies: The problem with altitude sickness is it's very difficult to predict who it will affect. Your granny may not find it a problem whereas an elite paratrooper may be paralysed with sickness at the same altitude.

There are a number of theories as to what may help. A good state of fitness is a good starting point and there are specialist hypoxic chambers, the largest in the country based at The Third Space in London, which may help with ascents to altitude. They do this by forcing the body to produce more oxygen-carrying red blood cells (there is less oxygen at altitude and less pressure which makes it harder for the body to utilise oxygen, making work seem harder. Staying properly hydrated is essential and it is believed that antioxidants such as vitamin C, taken in large quantities (ie, 5,000+ mg/day) may help.

There is also a drug available from your GP called Diamox which helps with ascents to altitude. However, there are dangers associated with the use of this drug so discuss this with your doctor before deciding to take it.

The only way to properly overcome altitude sickness is to ascend at a steady pace and take heed of the climbers' adage of 'climb high, sleep low'.

For Third Space membership enquiries please call 020 7439 7333.