ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Altitude sickness

Hey there kiddo, did you know that sometimes when you go up higher and higher in the mountains or on a plane, you might feel a little sick? This is called altitude sickness.

When we go up to a higher altitude, our body needs to adjust to the changes. The air becomes thinner and there is less oxygen for our bodies. This can make it harder for us to breathe and give us a headache, dizziness, or nausea.

So let's say we are going on a hike up a mountain, and we start climbing quickly without taking breaks or drinking water. Our body doesn't have enough time to adjust to the altitude, and we might start to feel sick.

To prevent altitude sickness, it's very important to drink lots of water, take breaks, and go up slowly. It's also a good idea to rest for a day or two after reaching a higher altitude.

In some extreme cases, altitude sickness can be very serious and even life-threatening. That's why it's important to talk to a doctor before traveling to high altitudes, especially if you have a medical condition.

So remember, take it slow, drink lots of water, and listen to your body!