Altitude Sickness – Symptoms and Prevention

When visiting areas in Colorado 8,000 ft. or higher, about 25% of vacationers may experience high altitude effects. For those not accustomed to high altitude, extended exposure may increase your chances of acquiring altitude sickness.

Acute altitude sickness is the mildest and most common form of “mountain sickness” a visitor to high Rocky Mountain ranges may experience. Skiers and mountain climbers of any age or gender may experience mild headaches, weariness and shortness of breath. This occurs due to the reduced amount of oxygen available in each breath. At sea level, the concentration of oxygen is about 21% and the barometric pressure is about 760 mmHg. At 12,000 ft. the barometric pressure is reduced to about 483mmHg and your breathing must increase to improve the oxygen saturation to lungs and blood. 8,000 – 12,000 ft. is considered High Altitude – 12,000 – 18,000 ft. is Very High Altitude and over 18,000 ft. is Extremely High Altitude. To give you an idea, the Mile High City – Denver, Colorado elevation is 5280 ft. Starting out from the city, it doesn’t take long to get into a High Altitude area.

The body needs time to adjust to working with less oxygen and the combination of low pressure and high altitude will often cause fluids to leak from capillaries which can build up in both brain and lungs, creating a possibly life threatening situation over time. This more serious form of altitude sickness is known as HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema). It can come on quickly and if left untreated may fill the lungs with liquid and progress to respiratory collapse. It is the number one cause of high altitude related death. If the brain takes on fluids, HACE (high altitude cerebral edema) will cause loss of coordination or balance (ataxia), will alter a persons mental state, cause coma and ultimately cause death if left untreated. Clearly, a good understanding and respect for high altitude will enable a visitor to avoid many unpleasant or dangerous health concerns.

This is not to say that coming to the Rocky Mountains and enjoying the beauty of our high altitude areas will automatically place your health at risk. However, those who do visit should be preventative and those who experience difficulty should know the proper methods of treatment. Getting used to high altitude slowly is the first step. Take your time, don’t overexert and always maintain maximum hydration. Mountaineers say that good urine output should be “clear and copious”. Proper clothing and gear will keep the body warm and not overtaxed. Colorado natives know that layering clothing is essential. Weather conditions can change without warning and may vary up to 50 degrees in a single day. Keeping weather resistant clothing available will help you to avoid hypothermia.

Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, depressants or sedatives may increase your problems with altitude, and should be avoided. These drugs decrease respiration during sleep and further reduce oxygen to the blood. Eating a higher carbohydrate diet at altitude will help your body (70% of calories from carbs is a good measure). If you travel above 10,000 feet – only increase your altitude by 1,000 ft. per day. If you experience altitude sickness at any elevation, go down to a lower altitude and stay there until you feel better.

If you are not sure how you might respond to high altitude make sure to watch yourself and the others with you for the signs of altitude sickness and other physical issues as you enjoy your high altitude adventures. A headache combined with any one or more of the following symptoms can indicate serious altitude sickness; lack of appetite, nausea, or vomiting, fatigue or weakness, dizziness or feeling light-headed, insomnia, pins and needles, shortness of breath upon exertion, persistent rapid pulse. Should you experience a persistent cough (which may sound like paper being crumpled), fever, shortness of breath even when resting, or gradual loss of consciousness, seek help immediately as these symptoms indicate life threatening altitude sickness. If no help is immediately available, quickly get to a lower altitude and seek medical assistance as quickly as possible! Some fascinating research is being done right now at the University of Colorado regarding altitude sickness and how to cure the problem. Their focus and findings may assist soldiers who battle at high altitudes in Afghanistan and other countries as well as the thousands of vacationers and visitors who get sick at high altitude.

Being aware and responsive to symptoms should help you to enjoy your high altitude activities in a safe and pleasant way. There are so many wonderful things to see above the 8,000 ft. level, so make time to leisurely enjoy the fantastic views and scenery of the Colorado Rocky Mountains!