How to Prepare for Altitude Sickness

Because air pressure decreases at higher altitudes, it can be difficult for your body to get the concentration of oxygen it needs to maintain optimal functioning. Travelers to lofty destinations should prepare for potential altitude sickness by understanding how to control and minimize its effects.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Physician
• Water
• Ibuprofen

Fight Altitude Sickness

1. Speak to your doctor before you leave for your high-altitude trip. A prescription medication known as acetazolamide is frequently prescribed to individuals bound for lofty destinations. It helps neutralize the effects the lowered air pressure has on the body. However, acetazolamide is not right for everyone, and you should get medical approval before taking it.

2. Prepare by learning more about nifedipine. Marketed under the brand names Adalat, Nifedical and Procardia, this prescription medication improves the flow of oxygen by decreasing the pressure on your pulmonary arteries. However, it does come with its share of medical risks that you should talk to your doctor about.

3. Learn more about frusemide. Commonly known by the brand name Lasix, this drug is useful in clearing the lungs of water that may collect in them due to impaired function at high altitudes. However, it should be used very carefully if you experience dehydration in addition to your altitude sickness. Ask your doctor about frusemide.

4. Bring plenty of ibuprofen. It is the most effective over-the-counter pain medication available for treating the headaches and body aches brought on by altitude sickness.

5. Be honest with yourself about your level of physical fitness. The best way to prepare for altitude sickness is to avoid it altogether. A key way to avoid it is not to over-strain yourself. Rest frequently and give yourself time to evaluate whether or not you are experiencing any symptoms.

6. Stock up on plenty of water. Fluid loss often accompanies altitude acclimatization. Increase your daily water intake to between 4 and 6 liters per day. Your urine should remain clear. Colored urine can signal dehydration, with the dehydration being more severe the richer the color of the urine.

7. Eat a high-calorie diet during your stay in the high altitude. As if you needed further encouragement, experts also recommend that it be composed of approximately 70 percent carbohydrates! This will help give your body the stored energy it needs to compensate for the decreased oxygen absorption you experience due to the drop in air pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Altitude sickness generally does not affect healthy individuals at altitudes below 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
• A severe, untreated case of altitude sickness can lead to a coma. Do not continue to forge upward if you begin to experience the nausea and unsteadiness associated with the onset of altitude sickness.

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