nausea, headache, and shortness of breath caused by climbing to high altitudes (usually above 12 000 ft)
2. veterinary science
a disease of cattle kept at high altitude in S and N America, characterized by congestive heart failure
altitude sickness in American English
noun
Pathology
a condition affecting some persons at high altitudes, caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood and characterized by dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath
Word origin
[1915–20]This word is first recorded in the period 1915–20. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: GI, camouflage, collage, costar, stockpile
Examples of 'altitude sickness' in a sentence
altitude sickness
Apparently, it helps with the altitude sickness.
The Sun (2015)
Above 10,000ft, you will be at risk of altitude sickness.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
I had altitude sickness, and some inner-ear problem - that was what it was.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Only for altitude sickness, according to her spokesman.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
I narrowly missed needing one, as altitude sickness took over on our first evening.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
But he had already been taken off the mountain after getting altitude sickness.
The Sun (2015)
That's when the altitude sickness hit me like a bus.
The Sun (2014)
Clearly, altitude sickness has much to answer for.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
Perhaps the swirly carpet pattern is a mistake, possibly inducing altitude sickness.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Bad altitude sickness can be fatal and the victim had to be airlifted out.