High Altitude and Your Health

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
You don’t have to climb mountains to get it!

Signs and Symptoms
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is experienced by many visitors to Estes Park. The symptoms are similar to the flu. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breathlessness
• Diarrhea
• Strange dreams
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Flushed feeling

These symptoms should subside after 72 hours.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) is a rapid accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Only a small percentage of people are affected by this condition, most commonly, children and teenagers. Early symptoms include:

• Rapid or labored respiration at rest.
• Rapid pulse.
• A cough may progress to clear, foamy, or bloody sputum.

If you experience these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
Chest Pain. If you have a medical history of heart or respiratory problems, be sure you do not overexert yourself because the high altitude increases the workload on your heart and lungs. Others should be aware that undiagnosed pre-existing heart problems might surface at high altitude. Chest pain may be :

• Aching, squeezing, choking, or heavy burning.
• This may radiate to jaws, neck or down the arms and back.
• Do not mistake chest pain for indigestion.

If you experience chest pain and/or shortness of breath, CALL 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
High Altitude Adjustment
Here are seven suggestions to help you adjust to the altitude…

1. Take it easy for 72 hours.
2. Drink plenty of water.
3. Eat a diet high in carbohydrates.
4. Decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption.
5. Avoid sleeping medications.
6. Discuss your hikes with a park ranger. Allow at least one day to ascend each 1000 feet when hiking.
7. Avoid smoking.

How much do you know about the effects of high altitude?

1. Physically fit people do not get acute mountain sickness.
   True or False
2. You should drink to replace lost fluids when you are thirsty.
   True or False
3. Altitude adjustment takes 24 hours and lasts indefinitely.
   True or False
4. The slowest hiker should set the pace.
   True or False
5. The effects of alcohol are decreased at high altitude.

True or False
Now that you know about high altitude mountain sickness, contact your health care provider before your next visit. Ask your health care provider about medications that prevent high altitude mountain sickness. Medications taken 1-2 days before you arrive in Estes Park will make your stay more comfortable.

Answers…

1. False. Fitness does not prevent acute mountain sickness.
2. False. Drink fluids frequently to counteract the dehydrating effects of the drier mountain air.
3. False. Altitude adjustment takes 72 hours and return to low altitude negates previous altitude adjustment.
4. True.
5. False. Effects of alcohol are intensified at high altitude.