High Altitude Precautions: How to Stay Safe When You Travel
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a condition that can occur when you travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet (2,438 meters). It occurs because the air pressure at high altitudes is lower than it is at lower altitudes, and the lower air pressure means that there is less oxygen available for your body to breathe. AMS is a serious condition that can lead to death, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and how to prevent and treat it.
How to Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness
There are several things you can do to prevent AMS:
Acclimate gradually: If you are going to be spending time at high altitudes, spend a few days at lower altitudes first to give your body time to adjust to the thinner air. For example, if you are going to be hiking in the Rockies, spend a few days in Denver (which is a mile high) before heading up into the mountains.
Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of AMS, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Avoid alcohol: Alcohol will dehydrate you and can make the symptoms of AMS worse.
Eat light meals: Heavy meals can tax your body and make the symptoms of AMS worse.
Don't smoke: Smoking also dehydrates your body and can make the symptoms of AMS worse.
In addition, it is important to dress warmly and to avoid exerting yourself too much. AMS is most likely to occur when you are rapidly gaining altitude, so it is important to take your time when climbing to high altitudes.
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness
The symptoms of AMS can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In some cases, you may also need to seek medical attention.
Acute mountain sickness can be fatal if it's not treated promptly, so it's important to be aware of the symptoms and take action if you experience them.
How to Treat Acute Mountain Sickness
If you have mild symptoms of AMS, you can usually treat them with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should also drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need to descend to a lower altitude.
If you have severe symptoms of AMS, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, you should seek medical help immediately. Severe AMS can lead to death, so it is important to get to a lower altitude as soon as possible.
If you are unable to descend to a lower altitude, you may need to be evacuated by helicopter. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation, so it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness When Hiking
If you are planning on hiking in high altitudes, there are some things you can do to avoid getting sick:
Start your hike at a lower altitude: If you are hiking in an area with mountains, start your hike at the bottom of the mountain rather than at the top. This will give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
Climb gradually: Don't try to hike to the top of the mountain in one day. Take your time and climb gradually, giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitudes.
Take breaks: Take breaks often when you are hiking. This will give your body time to rest and recover from the exertion.
Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of AMS, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Eat light meals: Heavy meals can tax your body and make the symptoms of AMS worse.
If you start to feel the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or fatigue, it is important to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. The symptoms of altitude sickness can worsen quickly and can be life-threatening.
How to Climb Safely in High Altitudes
If you are planning on climbing in high altitudes, there are some things you can do to stay safe:
Acclimate gradually: If you are going to be spending time at high altitudes, spend a few days at lower altitudes first to give your body time to adjust to the thinner air. For example, if you are going to be climbing in the Rockies, spend a few days in Denver (which is a mile high) before heading up into the mountains.
Climb gradually: Don't try to climb to the top of the mountain in one day. Take your time and climb gradually, giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitudes.
Drink plenty of fluids: Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of AMS, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Eat light meals: Heavy meals can tax your body and make the symptoms of AMS worse.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which include headache, nausea, fatigue, and lightheadedness. If you experience any of these symptoms, descend to a lower altitude and rest until the symptoms subside.