When people travel from lower to higher altitudes they may experience altitude sickness. The reason for this, according to Harvard Health Publishing, is because “at higher altitudes the pressure of the air around you (barometric pressure) decreases so there is less oxygen in surrounding air.”
People can live at higher altitudes, but it can take some time for your body to adjust to lower oxygen levels. “If you ascend to altitudes above 8,000 feet, you will be in danger of developing uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms from the change in altitude,” according to Harvard Health Publishing.
There are different types of altitude sickness with acute mountain sickness being the most common. Keep in mind that there are a few conditions that can develop from altitude sickness including high-altitude cerebral edema, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude retinal hemorrhage.
Symptoms from acute mountain sickness will go away after two or three days of rest after descending to a lower altitude. Severe illness, like high-altitude pulmonary edema, may take a few weeks to clear up, requires medical attention, and possible hospitalization.
Symptoms: What Does Altitude Sickness Feel Like?
It is normal for your body to make adjustments when you travel to higher elevations. These adjustments are symptoms of altitude sickness that include:
- Rapid breathing that is still comfortable
- Frequent urination
- Shortness of breath with strenuous exercise
- Occasional short pauses in breathing while you sleep
Some of these symptoms are caused by a low carbon dioxide level, which triggers adjustments in the brain and kidney. More serious symptoms are caused by low levels of oxygen in the blood and adjustments that are made by your circulation system.
Altitude sickness is more likely to occur in people who have a previous history of altitude sickness. It is more likely if you climb quickly, if you exercise vigorously during your first few days of exposure to a high elevation, and if you have been living at low elevation prior to your climb. Obesity appears to increase the risk for altitude sickness as well.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness?
Symptoms of acute mountain sickness start at least 8 to 36 hours after ascent. Symptoms include:
- Headache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Symptoms of acute mountain sickness improve if you descend to a lower altitude quickly. For very mild symptoms, staying put may be enough for symptoms to go away. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “altitude sickness may occur in up to half of people who climb to elevations above 8,000 feet.”
When is Altitude Sickness Life Threatening?
If a headache is your only symptom, it is advised to stop climbing and take a mild pain reliever. Since some altitude problems can develop into fatal illnesses or conditions, it is important to take any symptoms of high altitude illness seriously. Those conditions include:
- High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) – This is when the brain accumulates extra fluid, swells, and stops working properly. Symptoms include difficultly walking a straight line, changes in thinking, an unexplained change in personality, or hallucinations
- High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) – This is when there is fluid in the lungs. It can occur with or without warning symptoms and sometimes fatigue may be the only sign. Symptoms include dry cough, rapid heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute, difficulty exercising, and shortness of breath while resting
- High-altitude retinal hemorrhage (HARH) – This can cause eye damage
If you are experiencing these symptoms it is recommended you descend immediately and seek medical care. Symptoms can worsen and become deadly if you continue to climb in elevation and do not move back down to an elevation where you last felt well.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Gradually increasing altitude will help your body adapt to the low-oxygen environment and can reduce your chances of developing all forms of altitude sickness. There are four general guidelines for climbing above 10,000 feet. These guidelines include:
- Not increasing your altitude by more than 1,000 feet per night
- Each time you increase your altitude by 3,000 feet, spending a second night at this elevation before going further
- Limiting your physical exertion to reasonable levels during your first few days of ascent to altitude
- Drinking plenty of fluid during your altitude exposure
Immediately stop ascending if you develop early signs of altitude sickness. This will help to keep the symptoms from getting worse. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, can be prevented or limited by taking ibuprofen.
How to Treat Altitude Sickness
Treating mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness includes waiting until symptoms are gone before increasing elevation. If you have severe symptoms or any symptoms of HACE, HAPE, or HARH, it is advised you move to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Remaining at the current altitude or continuing to go higher may result in worsening symptoms or can even become fatal.
Besides moving to a lower altitude, you can treat mild altitude sickness with rest and pain relievers. If you have symptoms of altitude sickness, avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, and narcotic pain medications as these can slow your breathing. In low-oxygen conditions this can be extremely dangerous.
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If you are experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, or if your symptoms persist for more than 36 hours, remember we are here for you! Walk-in or reserve your spot at any of our clinics in the Denver metro area. We’re open 7 days a week.