Notes on High Altitude Sickness

Alaska mountains with snow caps - Photo: Still Gravity.
Photo from the 2006 trip to Alaska- License our images here.

High altitude sickness is a serious problem that can hit anyone hiking or camping over the 6,500 feet. We suffered one episode camping at over 8,000 feet and wasn't fun. Shortness of breath, nausea, discomfort in the chest. This condition is poorly understood and affects some people and spares others. It can be fatal.

There are three variants: Acute Mountain Sickness (the less severe), High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (very dangerous swelling of the brain), and High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (fluid in the lungs; very dangerous).

The symptoms overlap and may appear one hour after arrival to high elevation or many hours later. The list includes headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, mental confusion, loss of coordination, sleeping troubles, hallucinations, blueish skin, and persistent cough. 

How to prevent this? 

  1. Climb in stages. Ascend gradually to allow the body to adjust to less oxygen. 
  2. Avoid alcohol.
  3. Drink plenty of water.
  4. Eat a diet high in carbohydrates. 
  5. Don't do vigorous activities during the first days at high altitude. 
What if someone is affected? 

  1. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may give some relief. 
  2. Move the person to a lower elevation - a 2,000 feet descent may restore normal breathing. This is the best treatment. 
  3. Other treatments involve oxygen therapy and/or a prescription drug named Diamox. 
  4. Some studies suggest that 100 mg of Gingko Biloba twice a day - starting five days prior to the ascend - may help to prevent high altitude sickness. 

We are not experts. Check the Institute for Altitude Medicine or a medical specialist - there are a few books on this topic in Amazon (link is affiliate). 

Disclaimer: This post is not medical advice. Follow any idea at your own risk. 

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