title: [Travelling to high altitudes: do not increase fluid intake].
abstract: A negative water and sodium balance develops during the first hours to days after reaching a high altitude. The fluid and sodium balance does not alter in cases of altitude sickness, or may even become positive. This is attributed to a decreased diuresis and natriuresis in those who develop altitude sickness, while their fluid intake is no different to that of people who do not suffer from altitude sickness. This is a consequence of stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and an increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) combined with a higher than normal sympathetic activity. Therefore there is no argument for an increased fluid intake for the prevention of altitude illness. In theory this might even be harmful.
authors.affiliation: Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, Afd. Interne Geneeskunde en Intensive Care, the Netherlands. aemeinders@lumc.nl
authors.forename: Arend-Jan
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Meinders
authors.forename: Frank H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Bosch
authors.forename: Arend E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Meinders
mesh_terms: D000531:Altitude; D000532:Altitude Sickness / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004326:Drinking; D006801:Humans; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System / Q000502:physiology*; D014195:Travel; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology*