While nausea is often associated more with more intense exercise, such as running or cycling, under certain circumstances, hiking can make you nauseous. Hot weather, high altitudes and lack of nutrition can all lead to nausea. If the nausea is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or vomiting, you may have an infection. Consult a doctor if the nausea does not go away after you have finished hiking or you suspect an infection.
Altitude Sickness
If you are hiking in the mountains but are not used to it, the change in altitude could be making you nauseous. Altitude sickness, also referred to as acute mountain sickness, occurs due to the lower levels of oxygen and reduced air pressure at higher altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. According to PubMed Health, you are more at risk for altitude sickness if you have had it before or you live at sea level. If you suspect altitude sickness, you should descend to a lower altitude. If available, extra oxygen should be administered. If the sickness is severe, seek medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion
Hiking in on a hot day, particularly if it's humid, can lead to heat exhaustion, especially if you have not been consuming enough water. Early symptoms of heat exhaustion include little or no urination, loss of appetite and loss of thirst. The symptoms can quickly progress to nausea, extreme fatigue and headache. You can eventually start vomiting, and you may lose consciousness if it becomes to severe. Heat exhaustion can be avoided by hiking in cooler weather or during the early morning hours when it is not as hot. Drinking plenty of water and eating a small amount of food can prevent dehydration.
Low Blood Sugar
If you are hiking in the early morning and skipped breakfast or skipped a meal during the day, you may experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Glucose is the body's source of fuel; without it, you cannot function properly. According to personal trainer Stew Smith at Military.com, once you start physical activity while low on blood sugar, you can start to experience dizziness, which is often followed by feeling nauseous. Eat a small meal two to four hours before hiking to avoid hypoglycemia. If you are going on a long hike, carry dried fruits, nuts and other foods that won't spoil to snack on.
Considerations
While heat exhaustion, altitude sickness and hypoglycemia can lead to nausea, other causes could be responsible. Infection is a possibility if you have consumed water from a stream or water pump. Gastrointestinal problems can also cause nausea during hiking. If you experience nausea consistently while hiking, despite taking self-care measures, consult a doctor to rule out an underlying gastrointestinal or other medical disorder. Seek immediate medical attention if your nausea is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting or a stiff neck.
References
- PubMed Health: Acute Mountain Sickness
- Military.com; Nausea During Workout; Stew Smith
- MayoClinic.com; Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms; November 2009
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hypoglycemia; October 2008
- Grand Canyon National Park: Grand Canyon National Park Hiking Safety Guide
