How to Identify Symptoms of Altitude Illness

Altitude sickness, or altitude illness, is typically the result of traveling to altitudes that are higher than your body is used to. For example, someone traveling from the coast of Southern California to the mountains towering over Denver, more than 2 or 3 miles above sea level, might experience some symptoms of altitude illness. Altitude may affect young and old alike, but is most commonly felt by young adults. Learning to recognize the symptoms of altitude illness may result in prompt actions that relieve discomfort and anxiety.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for symptoms in children or adults when altitudes of about 7,000 to 8,000 feet are reached. These are common altitudes in several mountain ranges located in the United States. Initial symptoms might be complaints of feeling lightheaded, weakness, or mild to moderate headaches.

2. Notice any vomiting or nausea, also common to young adults and children. Whenever possible, when driving mountain roads, stop frequently in order to allow children or others to get some fresh air and walk around a little. Encourage them to take deep, slow breaths in order to increase oxygen flow in the lungs.

3. Drink plenty of fluids as higher altitudes are reached. Avoid alcohol and eat frequent small meals or snacks. Higher altitudes offer less oxygen saturation in the air. At around 14,000 feet, most people will notice some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as increased thirst and the sensation that he just "can't get enough air."

4. Watch for difficulty sleeping at high altitudes. This may be caused by a decrease in the amount of oxygen content in the air. Whenever possible, avoid activities that may cause tiring, such as hiking, skiing and snowshoeing, until the person has become more acclimated to the altitude.

5. Be on the alert for more serious symptoms of altitude illness, such as difficulty breathing or confusion. Coughing is also a common symptom of difficulty to acclimate to a higher altitude.

Tips & Warnings

• When traveling into high mountain ranges, allow enough time to enable everyone to acclimate to the higher altitude and thinner air.
• Avoid traveling to higher altitudes until the body has become acclimated, and remember to increase fluid intake and avoid alcohol.

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