High-Altitude Sickness
Santa Fe, New Mexico…7,000 ft. above sea level
Some people become ill at high altitudes. This is called mountain sickness or high-altitude
sickness.
What causes this problem?
Lack of oxygen causes high-altitude sickness. As altitude increases, the air becomes
"thinner," which means less oxygen is in the atmosphere, thus less available for the body
to absorb and utilize. Any person can experience mountain sickness, but it may be more
severe in those who have heart or lung problems.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually begin within 24-48 hours of arriving at your destination. The higher the
altitude, the greater the effects. Some individuals notice effects when they reach an
altitude of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. If you have heart disease (such as heart failure) or lung
disease (such as emphysema), you may have symptoms at lower altitudes. Symptoms
include:
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headaches, breathlessness, fatigue
nausea, vomiting and other lower G.I. disturbances
inability to sleep
swelling of the face, hands and feet
Both heart and respiration rate increase as the body tries to send more oxygen to its
tissues.
American Heart Association Recommendation
The best way to avoid or lessen the effects of mountain sickness is to increase altitude
slowly. Climbers and hikers can take two days to reach 8,000 feet, and then another day
for each additional 1,000 to 2,000 feet. This may not be an option for people who travel to a
destination at high altitude. However, most people adjust or "acclimatize" to the high
altitude within a few days.
The following are helpful tips:
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Avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two.
Drink extra fluid. Keep water on hand at all times and take frequent sips.
Be cautious of alcoholic beverages. The effect is magnified (approximately 2:1) at
high altitude.
Meals should be low fat, low protein and high carbohydrates.
Supplementing oxygen can be beneficial if symptoms occur.
(Oxygen therapy is available 24-hours a day through Eldorado Security.)
If you have a heart or lung condition, consult your physician before choosing a high
altitude destination. He or she can tell you whether your condition will allow your body to
readily adjust to the lower oxygen in the atmosphere.