High Altitude Sickness FACTS and TIPS
While most of Colorado’s visitors from lower altitudes have no medical difficulty here, there are some high altitude
health effects of which you may wish to be aware. This page lists these and suggests hints that may help you
better enjoy your vacation.
Acute Mountain Sickness (Even though you are on the plains, the altitude can affect you)
Although uncommon, this is the most common high altitude illness. Occurring usually above 8,000 feet, some will
experience it at lower altitudes. Symptoms often begin on arrival but the onset may be delayed. The most common
manifestations are headache, nausea, loss of appetite, insomnia with wakeful sleep and strange dreams,
lethargy, and sometimes a warm or flushed feeling in the face. Children may experience these symptoms plus
vomiting. The illness is usually self-limited, lasting only one or two days. Resting, especially during the first few
days, skiing or hiking lower altitudes on the first day, eating a light diet, drinking more liquids and decreasing
smoking will help significantly. Mild medications such as aspirin or sleeping medications may help, but barbiturates
(Seconal and Nembutal) should be avoided as these can aggravate the illness.
The best treatment is prevention on your next trip. This is done by taking several days to arrive at altitude; and by
taking Diamox, which can be prescribed by your doctor, 250mg twice daily for two days before arrival and the first
two days here. Rarely, Acute Mountain Sickness progresses to a more serious illness called High Altitude
Pulmonary Edema. If you experience increased breathing difficulties, coughing, continued headache with mental
disturbance, or a staggering gait, you should see a physician immediately.
Altitude Effects on Medical Problems
People with chronic lung or heart disease may be adversely affected by Colorado's elevation. Less oxygen
changes body functions, making it harder to breath and forcing the heart to work harder. Whatever recreational
activity you undertake, your pulse will be faster at a high altitude than it would be at a lower elevation. Therefore,
you must adjust your customary pace to avoid overexertion. In fact, it is best if you have any of these conditions to
spend the first few days at altitude at a much reduced activity level. And it’s always advisable, before coming, to
discuss the trip with your personal doctor who knows your situation best. If you find yourself having continued
problems because of a worsening of your condition, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Swelling
Otherwise symptomless swelling of face, hands and feet, with a weight gain of four to 12 pounds sometimes
occurs at altitude, most often in women. The swelling may persist for several days after returning to lower altitude
before it resolves spontaneously. The cause it unknown but the condition will respond to a low sodium diet and
diuretics.
Dehydration
Much more common than swelling is dehydration due to the marked dryness of the high mountain air, combined
with the increased breathing rate from less oxygen. This results in increased body losses of moisture, which can
be made greater by alcohol consumption. A healthy adult should drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily.
Nose Bleeds
Nose bleeds occur more frequently here because of the dry air, which dries the membranes of the nose making
them brittle. Colds and dehydration may contribute as well. To avoid them use humidifiers, avoid colds (good
luck), and stay hydrated. The most effective way to stop a nose bleed is to gently pinch the nose shut for five
minutes.
Altitude Effects on Medications
Barbiturates, often prescribed as sleeping medications under such names as Nembutal and Seconal, may have
greater effect at altitude and should be used with caution. The same is true of alcohol. Oral anticoagulants (the
“blood thinners” Coumadin and Warfarin) may be more active at high altitudes. Anyone taking these should have
their prothrombin times checked frequently. Strong diuretics such as Lasix may cause significant falls of blood
pressure when upright, resulting in lightheadedness or fainting.