Altitude sickness

Imagine climbing a super tall mountain, way higher than your school! As you go up, the air gets thinner, meaning there's less oxygen for your body to breathe. It's like trying to drink juice through a tiny straw. Your body might not be used to this, and that's when you can get altitude sickness. It can make you feel tired, dizzy, or even a bit sick to your tummy.

When you get altitude sickness, your head might start to hurt, like a dull ache. You might feel like you want to throw up, or just feel super tired and sleepy. Sometimes, it can make it hard to sleep at night, even if you're tucked into your sleeping bag. It’s your body telling you it needs to get used to the high-up air slowly.

The best way to stop altitude sickness is to go up the mountain very slowly. Think of it like climbing stairs one by one instead of jumping to the top! If you start feeling sick, it’s important to tell a grown-up right away. Sometimes, just going down a little bit can make you feel much better. Drinking lots of water also helps your body stay happy.

People have known about altitude sickness for a very, very long time! Over 2,000 years ago, people wrote about mountains that gave them 'Big Headaches.' They probably felt just like we do now when we get altitude sickness. So, even though it feels new, it’s an old challenge for explorers and travelers who love to reach high places!