What causes High Altitude Sickness?
Simply speaking, a lack of oxygen in the air causes high altitude sickness. As you increase in altitude, the air becomes thinner resulting in less oxygen. This decrease in oxygen results in less oxygen in your lungs with each breath. Although, high altitude sickness can occur to anyone that travels from a lower altitude to a higher altitude, it most often occurs when people who live closer to sea level travel to higher altitude locations. Many people that travel to Colorado to ski experience this illness because of the rapid change in elevation. High altitude sickness does not only occur in children or in out of shape adults, anyone can experience this illness, especially those with heart and lung problems.
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
When traveling to higher altitude locations, it is important to allow your body to slowly adjust to the change. Your body needs to adjust slowly to the lower amount of oxygen in the air at higher altitudes. Pay attention to your body and know the signs of high altitude sickness, so you can receive medical attention promptly. Remember that cases of mild altitude symptoms have been documented at relatively low altitudes of 4,000 to 6,000 ft. Symptoms usually begin within 48 hours of arriving at high altitude. Some symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Sense of confusion
- Trouble walking
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of the face, hands and feet
- Increased heart rate
How is it treated?
Treatment varies depending on the severity of your symptoms. Resting, eating healthy foods, and drinking lots of liquids should help your symptoms go away in a few days. Smoking and drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse. If you suspect you are experiencing altitude sickness, return to a lower altitude and seek immediate professional medical attention.
Elevations at popular destinations in Colorado:
- Denver- 5,280 ft.
- Vail (at summit)- 11, 570 ft.
- Colorado Springs- 6,035 ft
- Aspen (at base)- 7,908 ft
- Steamboat Springs- 6,728 ft
- Durango- 6,512 ft
- Pueblo- 4,724 ft
- Aurora- 5,435 ft
- Loveland (at base)- 4,982 ft
- Breckenridge (at base)- 9,600 ft
- Lakewood- 5,450 ft
Comments
A well written article. I know that I have suffered from this. Drinking lots of water seems to help me get acclimated to the climate.
I am a 61 year old smoker who smokes 20 to 30 per day. I recently climbed Kilimanjaro reaching the summit at 5896m. Out of a group of 12 I was the only one to experience no symptoms of altitude sickness and the only one to use no medication whatsoever. I did not smoke during the four day hike in to the mountain or during the climb.
Can you explain why I seem to have done so much better than the non smokers?
Finbarr Tighe