The old climber’s adage holds true: climb high, sleep low. Acclimatization is the most important way to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, so plan for a night or two at 8,000 feet, then ascend no more than 1,600 feet per day. Stick with simple flavors sometimes spicy food can be very nauseating at high altitudes.ĭon’t go too high too fast. Treats like chocolate or snacks such as pretzels can be great portable options. If for some reason you can’t take acetazolamide, speak to your health care provider about other options.īecause it’s important that you continue to eat while at altitude, make sure you are bringing food that is easily tolerated. The side effects, however, such as increased urination and tingling in the hands and feet, can be similar to the illness itself, so it may not be helpful for everyone. Use your best judgment and if you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to go, contact your health care provider for advice.Īcetazolamide is a medication often used to prevent and reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness by increasing respiration. Your lungs are already working their hardest to adapt to the thinner air at altitude any cough or wheeze can compromise that. It’s imperative to be completely healthy when you begin your journey. What seems to be a small cold at lower elevations can be serious at higher elevations. It’s also a good idea to bring caffeine-containing Excedrin along on the trip for a quick pick-me-up. The effects of caffeine withdrawal mimic the effects of altitude sickness, and are alleviated by caffeine. If you are a regular coffee drinker, make sure that you have caffeine prior to climbing. Dehydration decreases the body’s ability to acclimatize to higher altitudes. Take 600 mg of Motrin or Advil three times a day while at elevation.ĭrink two to three liters of water a day to prepare for your trip. Ibuprofen was found to significantly reduce the incidence of altitude sickness. The only way to alleviate HAPE is to descend - oxygen and descent are life-saving and essential. Mild symptoms can include a dry cough and shortness of breath after mild exertion, but more severe types of HAPE involve shortness of breath at rest, confusion, and fever. Even experienced athletes can experience it, so while preparation and training are important, they aren’t guaranteed safeguards. ![]() HAPE can happen to anyone at any altitude above 8,000 feet. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): HAPE typically occurs at higher elevations and involves a build-up of fluid in the lungs.HACE is rare but potentially fatal, and can become life-threatening in just a few hours. Although an important prevention and treatment strategy is hydration, people with more severe forms of altitude sickness often can’t keep water down. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, blurry vision, and disorientation. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): If AMS progresses, it can turn into HACE, which involves the build-up of fluid in the brain.Symptoms usually resolve within 24 to 72 hours of acclimatization. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS ): Considered the most common form, AMS involves the symptoms people typically associate with altitude sickness and hangovers: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and occasional vomiting. ![]() Altitude sickness is typically divided into three distinct syndromes:
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