Altitude Illness and How to Handle It

Altitude Illness and How to Handle It

For those who want to take their hiking to the next level, climbing to new heights is usually the next goal. Summiting high peaks is thrilling, exciting,  confidence boosting, and an adrenaline rush. Yet, there are some things you need to be aware of as you go higher up in elevation. One of the biggest risk when going to new altitudes is coming down with altitude illness. This article is going to break down the myths, facts, and overall information of what you need to know about altitude illness, how to avoid getting it, and what to do if you come down with it.

Altitude Illness

Myth: Altitude illness is due to the lack of oxygen
Fact: Altitude illness is due to the decrease in partial pressure of oxygen as altitude increases which causes hypobaric hypoxia.

What Happens to Your Body at High Altitude?
You sleep less, breathing becomes faster, blood becomes thicker, heart rates up, and you urinate more often. (These are not symptoms, this is a natural response that the body goes through when you go to higher elevations)

How Does Altitude Illness Happen?
When you ascend too quickly and your body doesn't have enough time to adjust to these new pressure changes. 

When can Altitude Illness Kick in?
Anytime you are over 8,000 ft. in elevation can you start to have altitude illness.

What are the types of Altitude Illness?
Acute Mountain Sickness- The most mild form and can consist of headache, muscle aches, nausea, and dizziness
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)- Buildup of fluid on the lungs that could lead to death
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)- Buildup of fluid on the brain that could lead to death

Symptoms of Altitude Illness:
Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Loss of appetite, Fatigue, Problems with Sleeping, and Shortness of Breath

HAPE and HACE Symptoms:
Inability to walk, Severe Headache, Vomiting, Tightening Chest, Confusion, Shortness of Breath, Cough, Hallucinations, Extreme Fatigue, Fever, Blue or Gray lips and fingernails, and Coma

How to Avoid it from Happening:
The best way to reduce your chances of developing altitude illness is by acclimatization. This helps your body adjust slowly to the pressure changes as you climb higher.

Here are some tips for Acclimatization:

• Start your journey below 10,000 feet. If you have to fly or drive somewhere that’s higher up, stop at one destination that’s lower for at least a full day before going any higher.
• If you do fly or drive somewhere and can’t spend time at lower elevations on the way, the drug acetazolamide can help speed up acclimatization.
• If you walk, hike, or climb over 10,000 feet, only go up an additional 1,000 feet per day. For every 3,000 feet you climb, rest at least a day at that height.
• “Climb high and sleep low”: If you have to climb over 1,000 feet in a day, make sure you come back down to a lower altitude to sleep.
• Drink 3-4 quarts of water every day, and make sure about 70% of your calories are coming from carbs.
• Don’t use tobacco, alcohol, or medications such as sleeping pills, especially for the first 48 hours. Caffeine is OK if you normally drink it.
• Don’t vigorously exercise for the first 48 hours.
• Know how to identify the first signs of altitude sickness. Move to a lower elevation right away if you start to have these symptoms.​

What if your symptoms aren't getting better?
Descend down the mountain and depending on how severe your symptoms are get medical attention right away. 

What do you do if you can't descend right away?
There are certain medications that can help with your symptoms such as acetazolamide, ibuprofen, dexamethasone, supplemental oxygen, oral nifedipine, and inhaled salmeterol. Each of these medications help your body with a certain symptom so please talk to your doctor or a medical professional so you know what to take.

*For more information, speak with your doctor so you can be prepared if you are going into higher elevations and want to prevent altitude illness.*


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Sources:
Felson, Sabrina. Altitude Sickness: What to Know. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness. October 30, 2021.

Avalanche Peak at 10,568 ft!