Altitude Adjustment
Source:
Dr. James Rouse
It's the time of year when "flatlanders," those living at lower altitudes, take to the slopes.
Often within the first twenty-four hours, they may be hit with a pounding headache, nausea, fatigue, and/or difficulty sleeping. That first day on the slopes can exacerbate symptoms since they tend to worsen with exertion. Altitude sickness usually arises around or above 8000 feet above sea level. The higher we are, the less oxygen we have available. So for someone living at sea level, traveling to a place at or above 8000 feet may feel uncomfortable since the atmosphere contains about half the oxygen of the air at sea level. For some this happens at even lower altitudes.
Two of the biggest components to altitude sickness are rapid ascent (jet plane from L.A. to Aspen) and lack of proper hydration. At high elevations, fluid moves out of the blood and into body tissues. As the blood thickens, dehydration impedes effective allocation of nutrients and oxygen and hampers the elimination of toxins. This is why we wind up with headache, fatigue extreme thirst, and often restlessness. To minimize this occurrence, drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages and other drinks that have a diuretic effect. If there is a way to ascend more slowly, say over a few days rather than going from 0 to 8000 feet in a matter of hours, this will benefit you in the long run.
The most serious symptoms of altitude sickness result from fluid accumulation in tissues of the body - edema. At very high altitudes, we are more susceptible to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). These are life-threatening situations. Severe shortness of breath, bladder or bowel troubles, confusion and/or paralysis are all signs that you need to get to a hospital and/or lower elevation as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to call 911 and get immediate assistance.
As a preventive measure, there are a few medications that may help you adjust to altitude - talk to your doctor about whether or not you may be a candidate for medication. Following a diet that is composed of at least 75% carbohydrates may be useful. Over the counter "remedies" that may be useful include DMG (dimethylglycine), Rhodiola rosea, coenzyme Q10, and Gingko biloba. Ginger tea and even candied ginger may be useful for the nausea component. Again, drink lots of water. Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages. Prepare yourself at least a week ahead of time. Increase your consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. You may also choose to add a vitamin C and/or antioxidant supplement to your diet plan. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you enjoy your vacation to the "high country."
Back to Articles