Altitude Sickness in the Rocky Mountains

You’ve just arrived in the Rocky Mountains, and are awestruck by the rugged, natural beauty that surrounds you. You’ve mapped out all the trails you plan to hike and are eager to get on with the adventure when, suddenly, you begin to feel nauseous. You lose your appetite, and are dizzy and short of breath. What a time to get sick!

The problem, in fact, may be altitude sickness. Anyone who travels from lower altitudes to above 6,000 – 8,000 feet (2829 – 2438 m) could experience altitude sickness, according to the Centers for Disease Control, one of the major operating components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Altitude sickness is caused from lack of oxygen in the thin mountain air. It can be serious, and even life threatening.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

The symptoms usually begin about six hours after your arrival at high elevation, but they can even show up 36 hours after arrival.Symptoms usually go away by the fourth day at high altitude. They may include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, dizziness, shortness of breath, generalized weakness, rapid heartbeat and insomnia.

Worsening symptoms (which usually occur at very high altitudes, above 11,000 feet or 3,000 m) include an intense, constant headache, confusion, coughing and bloodstained sputum, a blue tinge to nails, lips and skin, and difficulty breathing.

Lack of oxygen in the blood can cause the leaking of fluids from the capillary walls into the brain or lungs. If left untreated, a severe case of altitude sickness can cause unconsciousness and death within hours.

Ways to Decrease Your Risk of Altitude Sickness

• Ascend slowly (984 feet/300 m a day) to give yourself time to acclimate. (For example, if you’re going to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, stay in Denver a day or two before ascending into the high country.)
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
• Descend to a lower elevation if mild symptoms occur. Give your body time to acclimate before heading back into higher country.
• Talk with your doctor about taking acetazolamide (Diamox) or nifedipine to prevent altitude sickness (although there is no guarantee it will help). Avoid alcohol or depressant drugs, such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills, as this can make things worse.
• Allow your body a day or two of rest before strenuous exercise.
• Eat a high-calorie diet while at high altitude. (This is a great excuse to eat!)
• A homeopathic remedy that is mentioned in Rough Guide to Travel Health is coca (30c), taken once a day. If symptoms are severe, descend immediately and take coca three or four times a day.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, gingko biloba, if taken before ascent, has been shown to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

If you have a medical condition such as sickle cell anemia, congestive heart failure, angina or any pulmonary disorders, contact your doctor before traveling to a high-altitude area.

Be prepared to acclimate slowly and wisely (using the above techniques). Stay aware of how your body responds to the altitude, and act accordingly.

Keeping these simple guidelines in mind will help you enjoy your stay in the high country, wherever that may be. Happy Trails!