(970) 389-7999

High Altitude Illness

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

  • AMS can afflict any visitor sleeping higher than 6000 feet
  • Approximately 25% of visitors sleeping at 8000 ft or higher will develop AMS
  • Cause is thought to be due to low oxygen (hypoxia) and high altitude (lower barometric pressure) 
  • Symptoms include: headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue or weakness
  • Symptoms show within 24 hours
  • Although rare in Colorado, if left untreated, AMS can progress to a serious, life-threatening form called HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). Symptoms include: severe headache, confusion, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, coma, and eventually death if untreated. The person may appear confused, disoriented, unable to walk a straight line, and slurring speech. THIS IS A 911 EMERGENCY!

HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE)

  • HAPE is a serious form of altitude illness that causes fluid to fill the lungs
  • Symptoms start within 2-4 days at altitude
  • Symptoms include shortness of breath with activity and then at rest, persistent cough (sometimes with blood-pink foamy sputum), chest tightness and severe weakness
  • Quick treatment is essential as HAPE is a life-threating condition
  • If caught and treated early, HAPE can be successfully treated at your place of lodging with oxygen and medication
  • Risk factors include: male gender, coming to altitude with a respiratory illness, history of heart or lung problems including pulmonary hypertension

PREVENTING ALTITUDE ILLNESS

  • Slow ascent to altitude is key such as an over-night stay in Denver
  • Avoid alcohol or medications such as narcotics or benzodiazepine sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta, Benadryl and melatonin are safe to use)
  • Do not overexert yourself the first 48 hours at altitude
  • Hydrate just enough to keep your urine clear or pale yellow – overhydrating will not cure AMS
  • Eat a diet that higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein and fats
  • Medications such as Acetazolamide (Diamox®), if started 24 hours prior to coming to altitude can prevent AMS

RISK FACTORS FOR AMS

  • history of previous AMS
  • Residence at an altitude below 3000 ft
  • Travel from low altitude to high altitude within 24 hours
  • Obesity
  • Current respiratory infection
  • Over-exertion the first day or two at altitude
  • Alcohol the first night at altitude

TREATMENT FOR AMS and HAPE

  • Descent to lower altitude (most effective, but not always necessary)
  • Oxygen – provided by a medical provider or with a prescription ONLY after a diagnosis is made by a licensed medical provider
  • Dexamethasone – a medication used in the treatment of AMS administered by a medical provider
  • Ibuprofen or Tylenol for headache
  • Rest

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT AMS

  • All oxygen administration is the same
    • Oxygen bars are a novelty in Colorado and are not intended to treat any medical condition
    • Rental of an oxygen concentrator from a non-medical company, not requiring a prescription or not able to provide a medical assessment from a licensed medical provider is a dangerous practice. There is no regulation for what they are providing you. Rental of these machines can lead to worsening AMS or other life-threatening conditions that can mimic AMS
    • Pulse Oximeters and Oxygen Concentrators: What to Know About At-Home Oxygen Therapy | FDA
  • Boost “oxygen in cans” can treat AMS
    • these are sold in many CO stores and are a novelty. They will not help AMS.
  • IV hydration or over hydration will cure AMS
    • If your urine is clear to pale yellow, you are well hydrated
    • Drinking too much water or getting IV hydration when you are already well hydrated can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances and or worsening of some chronic medical conditions
  • Being athletic or in “great shape” protects you from developing AMS
    • Being athletic can actually be a risk factor for HAPE and does not protect you from AMS
  • Older people are more at risk for AMS
    • Actually, healthy people over 50 are at lower risk for AMS
    • Anyone, from babies to the elderly can develop AMS

We are happy to answer your questions and can provide pre-travel counseling and medication prescriptions. Please call 970-389-7999 for more information