How to Adjust to High Altitudes

Altitude sickness can strike anyone. Age and general health can be predicting factors, but even an athlete can feel sick if she moves from sea level to 10,000 feet too quickly. Luckily, for most people, the symptoms of altitude sickness subside in a few days. Here are a few tips to help you recover or, better yet, avoid this condition altogether.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water and other liquids
• Over-the-counter pain reliever
• Motion sickness medicine

1. Try to ease your way into high altitudes. If you’re driving, spend a few nights at moderate altitude (5,000 to 6,000 feet) before climbing to your destination. Don’t go from flatland Kansas to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains in one day.

2. Drink plenty of clear liquids. The low humidity at high altitude tends to dehydrate you, which can make you feel sick. To do the most good, start consuming liquids a couple days before you arrive at your mountain destination. Water, juice and sports drinks are great options for replenishing lost fluids.

3. Avoid alcohol and excessive salt for a few days before and after your arrival at high altitude. These items exacerbate dehydration.

4. Take it easy for the first few days at high altitude. The reduced amount of oxygen at high altitude puts a strain on your heart and lungs, so let them adjust. Get plenty of sleep—altitude can make you feel lethargic. When you do start being physically active again, go slow. Try a short hike or bike ride first and build up your endurance.

5. Treat your symptoms. Headaches are common, so keep a pain reliever on hand. Nausea is another frequent symptom, so try taking motion sickness medicine and drinking carbonated soda to settle your stomach.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’ve had altitude sickness before or suspect that you may come down with it, visit your doctor before you travel. He may be able to prescribe medicines that can prevent altitude sickness.
• If you have heart or lung problems or other serious medical conditions, consult your doctor before traveling to high altitudes.
• If you have difficulty breathing or experience swelling in your arms or legs, descend to a lower altitude and see a doctor immediately.

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