Altitude sickness is an ailment that strikes travelers who venture up into gorgeous mountain habitats, high above sea level. Those who have experienced altitude sickness, know that it is a very real, and terribly unpleasant condition, that if extreme, can be dangerous.
Air is Thinner at High Altitudes
The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere is the same at both low and high altitudes. If this is the case, what causes altitude sickness? The issue is not the oxygen levels in the air, it is the pressure of the air in the atmosphere.
The higher you are above sea level, the lower the pressure in the atmosphere. This is referred to as “thin air.” What does this term actually mean? When you decrease pressure, there are fewer molecules, of all types, including oxygen, present. So thin air has less total oxygen for you to inhale than the more compressed air at sea level. This is the root cause of altitude sickness 1.
What is Altitude Sickness?
If you start to feel sick within a day (or sometimes two) of ascending to higher altitudes, you may have altitude sickness. Symptoms can be flu-like and in severe cases similar to a chest cold. When I’ve experienced it, I’ve had a wicked headache, vomiting, and aches throughout my entire body. These are just a couple of the symptoms of altitude sickness, which is also referred to as high altitude illness (HAI), and acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Altitude sickness is thought to strike men and women equally. Although experts argue that fitness does not play a role in it, I have found that the fitter I am, the better I acclimate to higher altitudes with less symptoms. High altitude is considered 8,000 feet and above, however, when coming from sea level, I have experienced it at as low as 5,000 feet.
A colleague of mine, Dr. Todd Dorfman, who works in the ER at Boulder Community Hospital, says that people coming from sea level start to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing their heart and respiratory rate immediately upon arriving at any increased altitude. True altitude sickness (HAI) usually does not occur until a minimum of 8,000 feet in healthy individuals, but underlying medical problems can make compensation more difficult at any altitude and increase the risk of HAI at lower altitudes.
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Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
The symptoms of altitude sickness generally develop within a day of reaching high altitude. Symptoms will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Those experiencing a mild case may have:
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Insomnia
- Shortness of Breath
- Rapid Heart Beat 2
Symptoms of more severe altitude sickness often include:
- Coughing
- Chest Congestion
- Pale Complexion
- Lack of Balance
Remember, altitude sickness can become serious, so if you feel very ill at high altitudes, see a doctor even if it means making a trip to the emergency room.
When we bought a second home in Vail, Colorado and began spending weekends there on a regular basis, HAI was something I became well acquainted with. Fortunately, I developed a number of strategies, and I no longer suffer from it.
In Health Tips for Altitude Sickness, I share my secrets for surviving and thriving at high altitude, and I offer you amazing ways to combat this annoyingly unpleasant condition!
Kim B. says
Dear Elana,
I’m so grateful that you both post AND slow down to take car of yourself. I check in periodically, and enjoyed the recent post “What’s wrong with me?” To read your story is to live mine, and I’m grateful that you keep moving forward – its is inspirational. We can only pour for others if we refill our own pitchers. Your posts are quite personal. You never make us feel like you are in this for the money, but that its all been a joyful byproduct of healing success….
I hope someday to read the follow-up to this post. My neuro issues are post – lyme related, and I flare terribly in the winter. This past winter I returned to skiing after a 10 year hiatus, and I injured myself – I could have maybe avoided the injury if I had prepped myself better.
I’m gearing up to take my kids to the west again this winter, and will for sure to look for the follow-up to this post to make it a part of my plan. Kind thanks for all that you do!
Elana says
Thanks so much for your wonderful words Kim! Here’s a link to that post for other readers:
https://elanaspantry.com/whats-wrong-with-me/
Enjoy!
Elana
Lidya says
..and when will be able to read the strategies, Elana? I have been waiting since your January posting. I hope that you are well. Appreciate in advance.
Elana says
Thanks so much for your patience Lidya! As you can imagine compiling an in depth post of this nature takes time. For more information on what I’ve been busy with these last few months take a look at this post:
https://elanaspantry.com/the-complete-guide-to-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/
Take care,
Elana
Elana says
Lidya, it’s here!
https://elanaspantry.com/health-tips-for-altitude-sickness/
Enjoy!
Elana
Nancy k says
When will u be adding to this info. We r going skiing in Utah very soon and would love to get the info. Ages 7-59 will be skiing, 11 of us. I worry about the 5 children 2-7 Yrs Thanks for ur help
Elana says
Nancy, here you go!
https://elanaspantry.com/health-tips-for-altitude-sickness/
Enjoy!
Elana
Christine says
I live at high altitude but when I am away for a while and have to transition back it is not as easy as when younger. I take Chloroxygen to help. It also helps when having any respiitory issues.
Elana says
Thanks Christine!
Gail says
I can’t wait to hear your strategies concerning altitude sickness. My extended family is taking a trip to Breckenridge when I’ll be over seven months pregnant. I’m trying to figure out if I should go–if there are tips to keep me well.
Elana says
Gail, here you go!
https://elanaspantry.com/health-tips-for-altitude-sickness/
Enjoy!
Elana
Kimberly says
I’m looking forward to your conclusion to the altitude sickness. Have family members that suffer from altitude sickness at times. I would love to help them .
Elana says
Kimberly, here you go!
https://elanaspantry.com/health-tips-for-altitude-sickness/
Enjoy!
Elana
nicole says
First time I visited the high mountains of Peru, I experienced unbearable altitude sickness. The second time I visited, I added Chlorophyll (from Whole Foods) to my drinking water, as did my husband and kids, and I swear by it.
Elana says
Thanks Nicole!
Beth says
Great post. Looking forward to the second part with strategies to over come altitude sickness.
Elana says
Beth, here you go!
https://elanaspantry.com/health-tips-for-altitude-sickness/
Enjoy!
Elana