Altitude Sickness And Its Treatment
Travelers face mild altitude sickness at an altitude of 6,000 feet and moderate sickness more than 8,000 feet. The risk becomes greater between 10,000 and 14,000 feet where travelers experiences harsh indication of the sickness. There is extremely damaging to traveler's physical and mental health if they stay at altitudes over 18,000 feet for few weeks.
The higher we climb above sea level, the less oxygen the air contains. For people who usually operate below 5000 feet, their bodies aren't used to working in so little oxygen. People may begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
There are varying degrees of AMS and it can become a very serious illness, but it can also be prevented. One of the best ways to lessen the affects of altitude sickness is to increase altitude slowly. If gradual ascent is not possible, especially for those who fly to their destinations, there are other measures that can be taken to ensure health, safety and an enjoyable stay.
If you think you may be prone to the effects of altitude, consult your family physician prior to your departure for Breckenridge. He or she may prescribe you a drug known as Diamox. This pill is taken prior to your arrival as well as for the first three to four days of your vacation and can help mitigate acute mountain sickness symptoms.
Causes:
Mountain scenes are indeed breathtaking. As you reach higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases so every breath you take contains fewer molecules of oxygen causing you to take more breaths to get the oxygen you need. Of course this happens when you exert yourself walking up any hill, but at low altitudes, the shortness of breath usually resolves itself soon after you rest. Not so in a high altitude.
As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen. It takes your brain a few days to figure out it has to breathe more.
Treatment:
Taking certain measures while at high altitudes can prevent symptoms. Here are a few that we have found work really well.
- Take CoEnzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 plays an important part in cellular energy production, and has been shown to help cells use the available oxygen more efficiently.
- Increase High-Chlorophyll Foods: Foods high in chlorophyll, such as blue-green algae or leafy greens, increases the body's level of hemoglobin as well as increasing the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Eat Small Meals Frequently: Digestion takes a lot of energy, which can worsen symptoms. Eating small frequent meals high in complex carbohydrates can prevent feelings of tiredness and nausea.
The best way to protect yourself from altitude sickness is to begin taking 60 mg of gingko each day at least five days before your ascent. Studies show its effective just one day before, but five days provides even better results.
The higher we climb above sea level, the less oxygen the air contains. For people who usually operate below 5000 feet, their bodies aren't used to working in so little oxygen. People may begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
There are varying degrees of AMS and it can become a very serious illness, but it can also be prevented. One of the best ways to lessen the affects of altitude sickness is to increase altitude slowly. If gradual ascent is not possible, especially for those who fly to their destinations, there are other measures that can be taken to ensure health, safety and an enjoyable stay.
If you think you may be prone to the effects of altitude, consult your family physician prior to your departure for Breckenridge. He or she may prescribe you a drug known as Diamox. This pill is taken prior to your arrival as well as for the first three to four days of your vacation and can help mitigate acute mountain sickness symptoms.
Causes:
Mountain scenes are indeed breathtaking. As you reach higher altitudes, barometric pressure decreases so every breath you take contains fewer molecules of oxygen causing you to take more breaths to get the oxygen you need. Of course this happens when you exert yourself walking up any hill, but at low altitudes, the shortness of breath usually resolves itself soon after you rest. Not so in a high altitude.
As the amount of oxygen in your lungs decreases, the blood becomes less and less efficient at acquiring and transporting oxygen, so no matter how many breaths you take, you are unlikely to attain a normal blood level of oxygen. It takes your brain a few days to figure out it has to breathe more.
Treatment:
Taking certain measures while at high altitudes can prevent symptoms. Here are a few that we have found work really well.
- Take CoEnzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 plays an important part in cellular energy production, and has been shown to help cells use the available oxygen more efficiently.
- Increase High-Chlorophyll Foods: Foods high in chlorophyll, such as blue-green algae or leafy greens, increases the body's level of hemoglobin as well as increasing the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Eat Small Meals Frequently: Digestion takes a lot of energy, which can worsen symptoms. Eating small frequent meals high in complex carbohydrates can prevent feelings of tiredness and nausea.
The best way to protect yourself from altitude sickness is to begin taking 60 mg of gingko each day at least five days before your ascent. Studies show its effective just one day before, but five days provides even better results.
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