Whether it’s your first time visiting one of the many high-altitude destinations that pepper our great Rocky Mountains or you’re a seasoned traveler, altitude sickness can unexpectedly turn your adventure into an unpleasant experience.
Take it from this Colorado Native turned flatlander: no one is immune to the effects of altitude sickness—even on their wedding day (story for another time)! In this post, we’ll dive into altitude sickness, how to prevent it, and the best remedies to get your crew back on their feet and ready to explore all that Colorful Colorado offers.
Understanding Altitude Sickness
Why it Happens
At higher altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen is lower, which can challenge your body as it adjusts to the sudden change. According to the CDC, the most common presentation of altitude sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), affects about one-fourth of all visitors to Colorado’s popular high-elevation destinations.
With the thin air, your body must work harder to get the oxygen it needs to your tissues and organs. This extra effort can lead to the classic symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, tiredness, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Pre-verbal children may appear extra fussy.
Who is at Risk
Interestingly, being in great shape or training doesn’t make a difference in whether or not you are at a greater risk. Age and gender don’t seem to make much of a difference either. However, kids are more likely to get dehydrated – and symptoms of dehydration can present as altitude sickness.
People living at sea level are more prone to altitude sickness than Denverites because their bodies are not conditioned to the thinner air. It is common for first-time visitors to experience symptoms within the first 24 to 48 hours – what’s known as going “too high, too fast.”
Pregnant women and anyone with pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to feel the effects of altitude sickness and should consult with a doctor before planning a trip at high elevations.
Altitude Sickness Prevention Tips
Gradual Acclimatization
The best way to protect against AMS is to ascend gradually, known as acclimatization. The slower-paced ascent will give your body time to catch up with the change in oxygen pressure. Take it easy when arriving in Denver from sea level, allowing your body to acclimate slowly.
The CDC recommends avoiding ascending to an elevation greater than 8,000 ft in one day, so avoid heading directly up I-70 to tackle that challenging hike or hit the slopes. Consider arriving a day or two before any planned activities at elevation and spending at least one night at a lower altitude.
If you plan a day trip to the mountains, you are less likely to experience symptoms of altitude sickness. Sleeping at altitude presents the highest risk because breathing is slowed during sleep, exacerbating the effects of altitude.
Hydration is Key
At higher altitudes, your body loses fluids more quickly through breathing and increased exertion, so hydration is essential. Kids might not always recognize their thirst cues, making them more likely to get dehydrated.
There isn’t direct evidence that excessive hydration can prevent symptoms of altitude sickness. Still, it is good practice to try to stay hydrated and avoid consuming alcohol in the first 24-48 hours at altitude.
Avoid Overexertion
While diving headfirst into all the exciting outdoor activities the Colorado Rocky Mountains offer may be tempting, it’s important to pace yourself. Overexertion can cause the symptoms of altitude sickness to be more severe, leaving you and your family more exhausted and unwell. Encourage your family to take breaks and avoid intense physical activities for at least two days until everyone fully acclimates.
Immediate Treatments
Rest & Relaxation
When those altitude sickness symptoms start to sneak up on you – the headaches, dizziness, and overall blah feeling – the best thing to do is lay low. Rest is critical to helping your body adjust. If your symptoms worsen after rest, you should get to a lower elevation as soon as possible and seek medical attention.
Encourage your kiddos to take it easy, too. It might be the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, enjoy a family board game, or watch a movie together. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you didn’t plan on.
Oxygen Supplements
Though their effectiveness has not been studied, canned supplemental oxygen and oxygen bars have increased in popularity among Colorado visitors. They may help temporarily; however, access to continuous-flow supplemental oxygen is the gold standard for lasting relief. If you or your family feels worse for the wear, find a local urgent care or health care setting that can administer medical oxygen, and you’ll be back at it in no time!
Over-the-Counter Medications
If headaches are cramping your style, over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen can offer relief. Anti-nausea meds may also alleviate some symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before giving or taking any medications to ensure they are safe for you and your family.
Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies may help ease altitude sickness symptoms for those who prefer a more natural approach; however, their effectiveness has yet to be studied.
Ginger is often a go-to for nausea – try ginger tea, candies, or ginger ale. For those pesky headaches, a quick whiff of peppermint essential oil or a few dabs on your temples may help. These remedies are kid-friendly and easy to pack.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Altitude sickness is usually mild and manageable, but knowing when symptoms become more serious is essential. Symptoms like severe shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue, confusion, vomiting that lasts more than a day, or persistent cough can indicate that something more serious is going on.
If anyone in your family starts experiencing these symptoms, seeking medical help is crucial. Don’t try to tough it out – altitude sickness can escalate quickly if left untreated. Learn more about when to seek medical attention here.
Altitude sickness may damper your plans for a few days while you rest and recover. With proper preparation and a little know-how, you’ll find yourself on the slopes and taking in the scenery within a day or two. Remember, it’s all about pacing yourself and listening to your body – and your kiddos’, too!
