Preventing High Altitude Sickness In Colorado
Taking a trip to the mountains can be an incredible vacation that can provide memories that will last a lifetime. And if you aren't accustomed to being in a mountainous location, you will definitely want to be prepared in several ways. One of those ways you may not expect to be affected is by altitude sickness. My older son was affected by it when we took our first trip to Colorado and I was completely caught off guard. I had really never heard of altitude sickness or at least didn't pay much attention to it if I had heard it. So, it was a surprise for sure. However, we did discover it and have since done some research on it. The key to dealing with it though is not to avoid such trips, but just to be as informed as possible and be prepared on how to deal with it. Believe me, the benefits of a trip the mountains will far outweigh the effects of the sickness . If you can just be prepared for it to alleviate or prevent symptoms, you can get through symptoms as quickly and easily as possible, and the fun of the vacation will totally make up for it.
What it is:
Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, altitude sickness is your bodies reaction to extreme change in altitude. Everyone can react differently and you can't truly know how your body will react until you get there or begin your ascent. But, if you do know this causes a big reaction in you, definitely be prepared. If you don't know, then go ahead and plan to be prepared anyway. For me, it is very mild: maybe a slight headache and little shortness of breath. My oldest son experiences a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, which begins in the car ride up the mountain and lasts pretty much until bedtime. I have a very active 6 year old and there is not a whole lot that slows him down, but this does for sure. I don't know if his energy is zapped just from the nausea/vomiting or if it is also part of the way his body reacts, but when he is not dealing with the vomiting, he is pretty much just laying on the couch or in bed. My youngest complained of a harder time breathing and shortness of breath. My husband always complains of severe headaches. Most of the worst symptoms are gone by the end of the first day or two. But, again, it really depends on the person and the symptoms.
If you are traveling to high altitudes, you need to be prepared for any of these or a combination of these symptoms:
-nausea and vomiting
-headaches
-shortness of breath
-tiredness
Why it happens:
There is significantly less oxygen in high altitudes than at sea level, as well as reduced air pressure. What makes a big difference is where you are coming from too. We are from Florida, so we are going from sea level to the highest point in America. So it's no big surprise that would affect you if you are going from one extreme to the other. We also have a time change to get used to. So, rest is definitely a good idea to get your body adjusted to the time change and the altitude change.
How to prepare in advance:
There are some things you can do to prepare in advance and some things you can do during the trip to help prevent or alleviate symptoms or at least lesson them and get through it quickly. Although I have divided this into 2 categories: what to do in advance and what to do once you've reached your destination, I would say that the things you do in advance, I would think would be beneficial to do during the trip as well. And vice versa. If there is something you can do during the trip to help, it can't hurt to do it in advance just to make sure your body is completely ready for the adjustment that is required for high altitudes.
This particular bit of advice is really more for the process of traveling up to higher descent. Your best option is to take it slow. If time allows, consider staying or stopping along to rest in a hotel at a lower altitude before moving up completely.
Ask your doctor in advance of your trip because there is are medicines available to eliminate or alleviate symptoms. They usually require you to take them a day or 2 before going to high altitude and for another day or 2 there.
Make sure you have some cans of oxygen on hand or visit an oxygen bar while you are there. You may not have known such a thing even existed. We just assume air is everywhere to breathe. But the difference in oxygen at higher levels can take your body a little bit to adjust to.
Make sure you are plenty hydrated before the trip and then continue to stay hydrated.
How to deal with it during:
Besides what I've mentioned above, I have heard that there are some easy and natural remedies to ease the effects as well, so you may want to keep on hand the following:
-A high carb diet can help
-Taking more iron
-Gingko
-Garlic
Of course, check with your doctor in the case of severe reactions. For most, however, the effects will be over before you know it and the above information should help. If you are one of those who suffer from altitude sickness, you'll be much more happy in a place that feels more homey than a hotel would feel. So, seriously consider staying in one of the many Breckenridge condo rentals. If you're like me though, even if you are affected by the altitude change, the cold air and weather will soon began to kick in and can really give you energy and make you feel better and you'll be ready to be out and about and enjoying your vacation.
What it is:
Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness, altitude sickness is your bodies reaction to extreme change in altitude. Everyone can react differently and you can't truly know how your body will react until you get there or begin your ascent. But, if you do know this causes a big reaction in you, definitely be prepared. If you don't know, then go ahead and plan to be prepared anyway. For me, it is very mild: maybe a slight headache and little shortness of breath. My oldest son experiences a sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, which begins in the car ride up the mountain and lasts pretty much until bedtime. I have a very active 6 year old and there is not a whole lot that slows him down, but this does for sure. I don't know if his energy is zapped just from the nausea/vomiting or if it is also part of the way his body reacts, but when he is not dealing with the vomiting, he is pretty much just laying on the couch or in bed. My youngest complained of a harder time breathing and shortness of breath. My husband always complains of severe headaches. Most of the worst symptoms are gone by the end of the first day or two. But, again, it really depends on the person and the symptoms.
If you are traveling to high altitudes, you need to be prepared for any of these or a combination of these symptoms:
-nausea and vomiting
-headaches
-shortness of breath
-tiredness
Why it happens:
There is significantly less oxygen in high altitudes than at sea level, as well as reduced air pressure. What makes a big difference is where you are coming from too. We are from Florida, so we are going from sea level to the highest point in America. So it's no big surprise that would affect you if you are going from one extreme to the other. We also have a time change to get used to. So, rest is definitely a good idea to get your body adjusted to the time change and the altitude change.
How to prepare in advance:
There are some things you can do to prepare in advance and some things you can do during the trip to help prevent or alleviate symptoms or at least lesson them and get through it quickly. Although I have divided this into 2 categories: what to do in advance and what to do once you've reached your destination, I would say that the things you do in advance, I would think would be beneficial to do during the trip as well. And vice versa. If there is something you can do during the trip to help, it can't hurt to do it in advance just to make sure your body is completely ready for the adjustment that is required for high altitudes.
This particular bit of advice is really more for the process of traveling up to higher descent. Your best option is to take it slow. If time allows, consider staying or stopping along to rest in a hotel at a lower altitude before moving up completely.
Ask your doctor in advance of your trip because there is are medicines available to eliminate or alleviate symptoms. They usually require you to take them a day or 2 before going to high altitude and for another day or 2 there.
Make sure you have some cans of oxygen on hand or visit an oxygen bar while you are there. You may not have known such a thing even existed. We just assume air is everywhere to breathe. But the difference in oxygen at higher levels can take your body a little bit to adjust to.
Make sure you are plenty hydrated before the trip and then continue to stay hydrated.
How to deal with it during:
Besides what I've mentioned above, I have heard that there are some easy and natural remedies to ease the effects as well, so you may want to keep on hand the following:
-A high carb diet can help
-Taking more iron
-Gingko
-Garlic
Of course, check with your doctor in the case of severe reactions. For most, however, the effects will be over before you know it and the above information should help. If you are one of those who suffer from altitude sickness, you'll be much more happy in a place that feels more homey than a hotel would feel. So, seriously consider staying in one of the many Breckenridge condo rentals. If you're like me though, even if you are affected by the altitude change, the cold air and weather will soon began to kick in and can really give you energy and make you feel better and you'll be ready to be out and about and enjoying your vacation.
Source...