How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness
How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness
Before you take a trip into the mountains, it's good to know how to avoid altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness. Altitude sickness can be debilitating and hit you all of a sudden.
At elevations as low as 6,500 feet, some people can experience symptoms of altitude sickness. For example, Denver, Colorado, the mile-high city, sits at an elevation of 5,280 feet. Just a short ride up the mountains and you'll be at 6,500 feet.
Photo of Fall River Road switchback in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Photo Credit: Brian C. Grogan, HABS/HAER photographer in the public domain.
Causes of High Altitude Sickness and Symptoms
The cause of high altitude sickness is not known. It doesn't affect everyone and only occurs in low-pressurized environments like the mountains. Riding in an airplane does not cause altitude sickness because the air in the passenger cabin is pressurized.
One of the first symptom of altitude sickness is headache. Additional symptoms include stomachache, vomiting, fatigue, a dizzy feeling similar to vertigo, shortness of breath, and insomnia.
This snowboarder obviously doesn't suffer from altitude sickness.
Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness
Watch out for these first symptoms of altitude sickness:
- Headache
- Stomachache
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizzy feeling similar to vertigo
- Shortness of breath
- Insomnia
If you live in a high altitude area, be sure to warn visitors of the symptoms of high altitude sickness. Keep reading for how to stave off high altitude sickness and help everyone have a safe, enjoyable trip.
Safe Travels to the Mountains - Be prepared and enjoy your trip
Precautions and treatment of high altitude sickness
When you know you'll be entering a higher elevation or altitude, these tips may help you avoid high altitude sickness:
- Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours before you ascend because alcohol is dehydrating.
- Avoid strenuous activity the first 24 hours you're at a higher altitude to let your body acclimate.
- Drink plenty of water for 24 hours before you ascend to ensure you don't become dehydrated.
- Take a few antacid tablets before you ascend; the calcium can help you avoid altitude sickness.
- The most effective treatment for high altitude sickness is to get back to a lower elevation.
- Also necessary are getting plenty of rest and drinking water to replace fluids that may have been lost from strenuous breathing and the dry air that's found at altitude.
- Taking oxygen is another option to consider. Doctors in mountain resorts can administer oxygen to patients who have altitude sickness.
Image Credit: The Graphics Fairy.
