Ibuprofen decreases likelihood of altitude sickness, researchers find | News Center

March 20, 2012
– By John Sanford

Grant Lipman

“A really nasty hangover” is how Grant Lipman, MD, describes the feeling of acute mountain sickness, and for good reason: Symptoms can include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and poor appetite.

More than 25 percent of the millions of Americans who travel to high elevations each year, often to hike, camp or ski, will suffer from this condition, also known as altitude illness. But a new study led by Lipman, an emergency medicine physician at Stanford Hospital & Clinics and a clinical assistant professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, has found that a widely available, over-the-counter drug may help.

Ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory medication often used as a painkiller, was found to significantly reduce the incidence of altitude sickness in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 86 men and women, according to the study, published online March 20 in Annals of Emergency Medicine.

The findings could prove especially useful for recreationists who have weeklong vacations planned at high altitudes. “You don’t want to feel horrible for 15 to 20 percent of your vacation,” Lipman said. “Ibuprofen could be a way to prevent AMS in a significant number of the tens of millions of people who travel to high altitudes each year.”

Acute mountain sickness can do more than just make life miserable: If left unrecognized or untreated, it can lead to high-altitude cerebral edema, an often-fatal swelling of the brain.

For the study, 58 men and 28 women traveled to an area of the White Mountains northeast of Bishop, Calif. They spent the night at 4,100 feet and were given either 600 milligrams of ibuprofen or a placebo at 8 a.m., before heading up the mountain to a staging area at 11,700 feet. There, they were given a second dose at 2 p.m. Then they hiked about 3 miles up to 12,570 feet, where they received a third dose at 8 p.m. before spending the night on the mountain.

Of the 44 participants who received ibuprofen, 19 (43 percent) suffered symptoms of altitude sickness, whereas 29 of the 42 participants (69 percent) receiving placebo had symptoms, according to the study. In other words, ibuprofen reduced the incidence of the illness by 26 percent.

The researchers also noted less severe symptoms overall in those who took the drug compared with those in the placebo group. But this reduction in severity did not meet the researchers’ predetermined statistical significance based on the self-reporting questionnaire that was used.

At high altitudes, decreased atmospheric pressure means that each breath you take contains fewer oxygen molecules. However, the exact physiological mechanisms that lead to acute mountain sickness are not clearly understood. Some researchers think the condition occurs because a lack of oxygen to the brain causes it to swell with fluids. Ibuprofen may help to reduce that swelling.

Other medications are available to prevent mountain sickness — specifically, acetazolamide and dexamethasone — but they have downsides. “The safety profile of ibuprofen makes it more attractive then dexamethasone, which has been associated with hyperglycemia, adrenal suppression, delirium, depression, insomnia and mania,” the authors note. “Acetazolamide’s adverse effects of nausea, dizziness and fatigue are usually well-tolerated but can be as debilitating as acute mountain sickness.”

They add: “We suggest that availability alone makes ibuprofen an appealing drug for individuals who travel to high altitudes. In addition, ibuprofen was effective when taken six hours before ascent, in contrast to acetazolamide, whose recommendations include that it be started the day before travel to high altitude.”

The authors say that taking more than 600 mg of ibuprofen might “provide more robust prevention,” but that the theoretical benefit of such a move would have to weighed against a possibly increased risk of gastrointestinal and kidney problems in people who may be dehydrated.

Other Stanford co-authors of the study were Nicholas Kanaan, MD, and Benjamin Constance, MD, chief residents in the Division of Emergency Medicine. They collaborated with researchers from the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii and the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine.

The research was funded by Stanford’s Division of Emergency Medicine and the American Alpine Club.

Media Contacts

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu.

3 Best Altitude Sickness Tablets

There’s are many altitude sickness tablets and medicines options on the market today. As a company based in the high altitude state of Colorado, we’ll reveal the three best altitude sickness tablets with the research to back them.

Altitude Sickness Tablets

Whether searching for the best altitude sickness tablets, anti altitude sickness tablets, or high altitude sickness tablets ─ altitude sickness can be treated with prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications in tablet form.

Altitude sickness tablets are an effective and easy way to prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness from happening in the first place, or minimizing the symptoms.

Each altitude sickness tablet works in a different way to help your body adapt more quickly to higher altitudes. The three medications have been around for decades and have been used by climbers and hikers around the world to prevent altitude sickness.

Keep reading to find out the three best altitude sickness tablets available.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is caused by the decreased amount of oxygen available at higher elevations, making it difficult on the body.

At sea level, one liter of air contains about 20% oxygen (O2). At 8,000 feet (3,657 meters) above sea level in a place like Aspen Colorado, the same volume of air may only contain 15% oxygen.¹ 

These changes in oxygen content affect people differently depending on their health, age, how they are accustomed to living at high elevations, and other factors.

If you climb too quickly or travel too high, you might get altitude sickness from the lower oxygen levels, physiological stress, and increased respiration.

Symptoms Of Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a general term for the symptoms in people who ascend to high altitudes too rapidly.

The symptoms of altitude sickness are many and varied. Altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and shortness of breath. Some people also experience fatigue, insomnia and loss of appetite.

Common symptoms of altitude sickness include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid breathing while resting
• Confusion and disorientation (severe cases)

Altitude sickness can be helped by things such as altitude sickness tablets, oxygen therapy, altitude supplements, or descending to a lower altitude. We specifically deep dive into the best altitude sickness tablets to help with the symptoms of altitude sickness.

3 Best Altitude Sickness Tablets

If you are planning a trip to a high altitude destination or climb, then chances are that you will need some kind of altitude assistance. Altitude sickness can easily run your trip and cause agonizing effects on the body.

Altitude sickness tablets, or anti altitude sickness tablets, are one of the best options to take. With years of altitude research, we break down the best altitude sickness tablets in medicine backed by science.

Here’s the 3 Best Altitude Sickness Tablets:

1. Dexamethasone For Altitude Sickness

Dexamethasone is a steroid that reduces inflammation throughout your body that’s commonly used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma and other inflammatory conditions.¹⁰

According to the CDC, Dexamethasone is shown to be effective for acute mountain sickness AMS (altitude sickness) and therefore one of the other best altitude sickness tablets. ² As a steroid, it does require a doctor’s prescription though.

Ibuprofen altitude sickness benefits and research:

• While it did not increase oxygenation, a study out of Japan showed Dexamethasone to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.¹¹
• Research from the University of Alaska-Anchorage concluded that dexamethasone is an effective treatment for altitude sickness with noticeable improvement with a high enough dosage, while lower dosages were shown to be ineffective.¹²
• In a study comparing acetazolamide to dexamethasone, subjects taking dexamethasone reported less tiredness, nausea, headache, dizziness, clumsiness, and feeling more refreshed ─ overall an effective altitude sickness prevention.¹⁵

Due to the study comparing dexamethasone and acetazolamide, we conclude dexamethasone is best altitude sickness tablets out of all three listed. It was shown to have significantly better results than acetazolamide as a prevention against acute mountain sickness.

Dexamethasone dosage for altitude sickness: The studies show 4 mg every 6-8 hours while during high altitude exposure to be most effect. Consult with your doctor on what exact dosage to take.

2. Ibuprofen For Altitude Sickness (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help ease the symptoms of altitude sickness.

With swelling and inflammation triggered on the body from high altitudes, Ibuprofen helps bring relief.⁶

Further making Ibuprofen the best altitude sickness tablets is that they are over-the-counter (OTC), so you can get them anytime you need making it convenient.

Ibuprofen altitude sickness benefits and research:

• In a study of volunteers ascending the White Mountains of California to 12,570 feet high (3,810 m), Ibuprofen was found to reduce the incidence of altitude sickness.⁷
• The study showed hikers who took ibuprofen developed less incidence of altitude sickness symptoms like headache, dizziness and nausea. ⁸
• While another study shows acetazolamide to be a slightly inferior prevention⁹, Dr. Grant Lipman at Stanford University School of Medicine says “Ibuprofen can prevent 26% of cases of altitude sickness“.⁸

Ibuprofen appears to have great results for altitude sickness. And what’s best about Ibuprofen is that as an OTC drug, you can pick it up at the drug store like Walgreens when traveling or before climbing.

Ibuprofen dosage for altitude sickness: The Stanford study showed that 600 milligrams of ibuprofen 3 times within the day of hiking gave results. The authors also say that taking more than 600 milligrams might provide better prevention.⁷ Go by doctor or medical advice though, as high doses of ibuprofen can have negative effects including gastrointestinal and kidney problems.

3. Acetazolamide For Altitude Sickness (Diamox)

Acetazolamide is an effective medication for preventing, treating, or reducing altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). Diamox is a brand-name version of acetazolamide.

With numerous research done on acetazolamide, it is show to increase oxygenation, respiration, and high altitude acclimatization.

Acetazolamide altitude sickness benefits and research:

• According to the CDC, this medicine works by reducing respiratory alkalosis related with high elevations and acidifying the blood. Therefore it helps to increase respiration, oxygenation, and speed up acclimatization.²
• Acetazolamide has the most notoriety being a preventative measure to prevent altitude sickness. Research published in 2020 showed the use of acetazolamide to be very effective at diminishing the risk of high-altitude illness.³
• University of Kentucky Department of Medicine showed better oxygenation with acetazolamide in high altitudes and acute mountain sickness.

Acetazolamide, or Diamox, is one of the best altitude sickness tablets with the scientific research to back it up for prevention.

As a prescription medicine, it is not an OTC drug, so you’ll need a doctor to prescribe you acetazolamide.

Acetazolamide (Diamox) dosage for altitude sickness: CDC recommends taking 125mg every 12 hours, for a total of 250mg a day. Start the day before encountering high altitude and continue through ascent. You must follow doctor or medical professional recommendations.

This concludes the three best altitude sickness tablets ─ which include Dexamethasone, Ibuprofen, and Acetazolamide.

Our Best Weapon For Natural Altitude Support

Zaca is a natural supplement first popularized in the high altitude mountains of Colorado. These fast-acting chewable contain a 4-herb blend of powerful ingredients to help you rehydrate, replenish, and recover. Glutathione, a key amino acid in Zaca, has been shown to be depleted at high altitudes.¹⁴ Simply take 2-4 chewables a day to give your body the nutritional support it needs on high altitude journeys. Try Zaca Chewable Tablets today and feel your best on high altitude adventures.

SOURCES:

1. Oxygen Levels at Altitude
https://wildsafe.org/resources/ask-the-experts/altitude-safety-101/oxygen-levels/
2. CDC High-Altitude Travel & Altitude Illness
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/noninfectious-health-risks/high-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness
3.The use of acetazolamide for the prevention of high-altitude illness
https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/27/6/taz106/5693888
4. The effects of acetazolamide on the ventilatory response to high altitude hypoxia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1541140/
5. Acetazolamide
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetazolamide
6. High Altitude Got You Down? Try Ibuprofen
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/03/21/149064059/high-altitude-got-you-down-try-ibuprofen
7. Ibuprofen decreases likelihood of altitude sickness, researchers find
https://med. stanford.edu/news/all-news/2012/03/ibuprofen-decreases-likelihood-of-altitude-sickness-researchers-find.html
8. Ibuprofen Can Prevent Altitude Sickness
https://healthland.time.com/2012/03/20/ibuprofen-can-prevent-altitude-sickness/
9. Altitude Sickness Prevention with Ibuprofen Relative to Acetazolamide
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30419226/
10. Dexamethasone tablets and liquid
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/dexamethasone-tablets-and-liquid/
11. Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM198912213212504
12. Dexamethasone for prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3190622/
13. Multimodal analysis of the effects of dexamethasone on high-altitude cerebral oedema: protocol for a pilot study
https://trialsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13063-019-3681-0
14. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione and related metabolism in rats
https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
15. A randomized trial of dexamethasone and acetazolamide for acute mountain sickness prophylaxis
https://www.amjmed.com/article/0002-9343(87)90937-5/fulltext

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Girsk ailment: causes, symptoms, preparations for treatment in

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Date updated: 03. 07.2023

Hirska ailment

Hirska ailment, or temporal ailment, visotna hypoxia, is a pathological state of the body. The etiology of the hyssic ailment is found in the vinic acid deficiency on the singing high above the sea level.

reasons

The reason for blaming that development of the high altitude ailment in a lower height is sour in the sky at a great height. The pressure of the atmosphere and the partial pressure of sourness in the blood fall. It should lead to insufficient blood supply, a decrease in the concentration of sour in hemoglobin, a change in the range of arterial and venous pressure, it becomes more difficult to pass sour to tissues. As a result of acid deficiency, hypoxia develops, which leads to the appearance of a fever.

Classification

Manifest severe ailments can be experienced in hospitals and chronic forms. Gostra hіrska khvoroba is characterized by a soft cob and a sharp development of symptoms. Maybe mother pіdhostriy character and trivati ​​protyag 10 days.

Chronic mountain ailment develops among the representatives of the people, like a trivaly hour to live on a singing height above the sea level.

Symptoms

The pathogenesis of mountain ailment manifests itself at altitudes of 1000 to 1500 m in the mountains with a maritime climate and 3500 m in the mountains with a dry continental climate.

Clinical signs of hives disease may be mild, moderate and severe. For a mild stage of the onset of symptoms of a high fever, it occurs for a sprat of a year after an ear of convergence. People are more self-consciously pissed off, they show malice, sickness, tachycardia, zadishka, trouble sleeping, confusion.

In case of high-altitude illness of the middle stage, one feels apparently causeless euphoria, as if for an hour it transforms into malice and apathy. The symptoms of acid starvation are trying to manifest: head pain, confusion, problems from zasinannyam, attacks of the spirits, higher dreams, nightmares. From the side of the slug and intestines, boredom, vomit, and appetite are blamed.

Severe stage of high fever causing improvement in hypoxia. The head bіl is localized in the loba of the forehead, the cloak and the potilice. Confusion develops, cyanosis of the skin curves is suspected. There may be nasal or sloughing bleeding, hemoptysis. Increased body temperature, leading to chills.

Group

In the group risik gostroi girskoi ailments – mandriving, climbing. To the mountain sickness of the chronic form, the inhabitants of the gir.

Before the risk factors for the morbidity of illness lie:

• physical revision;
• new water;
• hypothermia;
• sleep disturbance;
• colds;
• concomitant injuries;
• Swedish pidyom to the mountain;
• hіrska ailment in anamnesis;
• chi-kawi alcohol intake.

Diagnosis

The next hour of diagnosis is the establishment of the reasons why the virus develops, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms of the cardiovascular system. Watch for an increase in arterial pressure, tachycardia (pulse more than 180 beats), buttocks that grow (in some cases 30 times per whilin).

Call for an appropriate clinical assessment sufficient to make a diagnosis. In times of complication (small leg or brain), X-ray of the chest organs, MRI or CT of the brain should be performed.

Likuvannya

In case of uncomplicated stages of the mountain ailment, it is necessary to put the foot up the mountain, it is recommended to go down. With a change in height, the symptoms of illness appear suddenly, self-perceived people get sick. The injured person needs a drink, a drink. In some depressions, dopomogayuchi with hirsky ailments, you can speed up with analgesics or especially in the case of nudoty. Tablets for viral illness: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen.

In case of severe stage of high fever, healing is accompanied by acid mask, taking antipyretic drugs, acetazolamide and dexamethasone.

In times of trouble, it is necessary for a person to lower the term if he wants to be a hundred meters, to put on a sitting position, to turn a sour mask. When arterial pressure is elevated, administer diuretics (Furosemide). Also zastosovuyt medical preparations Nitroglycerin, Nifedipine, Aminofilin.

A venous jguti is applied to the injured person’s steg to create a blood depot, blood circulation to the heart. In case of congestion of jgutiv, it is necessary to control the arterial pulse lower than in the place of application. Jguti cannot be left for a long time (no more than the second year), so that when you get married, you don’t provoke heart failure.

When the brain is damaged, the person should be transported down, the shards of the camp can be brought to death. It is necessary to ensure the supply of kisnya. Dexamethasone is a vicarious preparation. It is not recommended to give sickness for the promotion of pressure, sudorosis or diuretics. Tsі likarski zasobi can make a swollen brain.

Complications

Nebezbek hirskoi ailments are in the aftermath of health, and in itself – in the condition of the leg of the brain. Brain swelling rarely traps, characterized by accumulation of radii in the brain. Symptomatically manifested by disorientation, second equanimity, impaired coordination of movement and walking, headache. Tsya pathology is mortally unsafe.

The tightness of the legen (purchase of the country) is blamed after a strong convergence by pulling more and more. Appears frequently, may be vindictive, without showing typical symptoms of acute hepatitis. The risk of pathology increases for the presence of respiratory infections in humans. As a rule, the symptoms appear at night and slowly progress. Tse ass, cyanosis, presence of blood in the sleigh, heavy breathing with gurgling sounds, dychal insufficiency. Nabryak a legen can be brought to the Komi or death in a couple of years.

Prevention

For the prevention of mountain sickness before the cob hike in the mountains it is necessary: ​​

• mothers are in good physical shape;
• think over the way and tactics of convergence;
• greet with yak_snym orders and outfits;
• carry out acclimatization for an hour of convergence;
• do not allow a sharp rise in altitude.

List of vicarious literature

1. Compendium – medicinal preparations;
2. WHO;
3. JAMA.

Expanding education about the herb disease

How does the herb disease appear?

Headache, in which hіrska ailment manifests itself, are symptoms that are actively developing: stolidity, tachycardia, movement of the vice. With progression – euphoria, after which apathy, headache, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite.

Girskaya ailment is not safe with possible complications: the swelling of the leg and the brain. These pathologies develop rapidly and without help can lead to a coma of death.

What will you do if you don’t enjoy the girsk ailment?

Even if you don’t sing lust every hour, the girsk ailment becomes mortally unsafe.

How to help with a sickness?

People, yakі pіdёm pіdёmі vsotu, mayut nobility, like hіrsknut hіrskoї ailment, і vikonuvati rules nadannya help. We are lowered to the ground in front of the people, safe and quiet beer, respectfully follow the indicators of the heart rhythm and arterial pressure.

Respect! Symptom map is recognized as exclusive for lighting purposes. Do not engage in self-deception; with good food, as if you are suffering from illness and ways of yogo rejoicing, go to the doctor. Our site does not bear any responsibility for the references, caused by the wrong placement on the new information.

How to prevent and treat altitude sickness while hiking

Will your next outdoor adventure take you to new heights? High-altitude destinations such as Machu Picchu, Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, or Everest Base Camp literally attract tourists and adventurers from all over the world with their breathtaking views!

If you are planning to hike or hike in the highlands, you need to know how to recognize and manage altitude sickness. Fortunately, you can take preventive measures to minimize the risk of altitude sickness and not interrupt your expedition.

This guide will introduce you to the causes and symptoms of altitude sickness, treatment options, signs of advanced altitude sickness, and prevention strategies to nip altitude sickness in the bud.

Contents

*This article was reviewed by Victoria Bandera. Vicki holds a Masters in Health and Exercise from Colorado State University and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Therapist.

What is altitude sickness?

At higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner as oxygen levels decrease. Low barometric pressure at high altitudes lowers the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs. Anoxia limits the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. The lack of oxygen in the blood supply causes acute mountain sickness (AMS), more commonly known as altitude sickness.

In a nutshell, altitude sickness occurs when your body is exposed to low oxygen levels at high altitude for an extended period of time.

You do not pass out from oxygen starvation during flight because aircraft cabins are pressurized over a range of altitudes, typically 6,000 to 8,000 feet. Climbers climbing 8,000m peaks often need supplemental oxygen at extreme altitudes where oxygen availability drops to 67%.

Even if you don’t plan to climb Everest anytime soon, altitude sickness can still hit you at lower altitudes. Without proper acclimatization, tourists can feel the effects of altitude sickness even in places like the Grand Canyon, where the canyon’s rim is 7,000 feet above sea level.

Signs and symptoms of altitude sickness

We know that altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen in the body. Luckily, if you know what to look for, altitude sickness is easy to spot. Any time you hike at or above 8,000 feet (or 2,500 meters for our metric friends), you need to be on the lookout for symptoms of altitude sickness.

Symptoms of mild short-term altitude sickness appear. 2 to 12 hours after reaching high altitude. These symptoms may include:

• Sudden headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sudden fatigue or loss of energy
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of coordination
• Decreased urination
• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate and/or palpitations

Treating Altitude Sickness

Going lower is the quickest and safest way to deal with altitude sickness. Many people begin to feel better even after a slight change in altitude.

If you are experiencing only mild symptoms of altitude sickness or are unable to descend for any reason, use the following treatment options for short-term relief until you can reach a lower altitude:

1. Stop ascending and remain at your current altitude until your symptoms resolve or you can descend safely.
2. Relax and give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
3. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration, which can aggravate symptoms of altitude sickness.
4. Eat frequent, small meals and snacks rich in carbohydrates and salt, such as ramen, freeze-dried hiking foods, chips, and salted nuts/seeds.
5. Take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve headaches.

Who can get altitude sickness?

While anyone can get altitude sickness, three main factors determine a person’s susceptibility and level of risk: altitude at the destination, rate of ascent, and load .

Basically, the higher you go, the more likely you are to get altitude sickness. Moving from sea level to high altitude too quickly, whether on foot or by car, can also increase your chances of getting altitude sickness.

Hiking requires much more effort at higher altitudes and overexertion is a common problem. While hiking, your lungs work overtime to make sure your body has enough oxygen and energy to function. While proper preparation can limit overexertion to some extent, even the strongest hikers can fall prey to altitude sickness.

Children are just as susceptible to altitude sickness as adults; while those over 50 are slightly more at risk. People with pre-existing conditions such as heart failure, angina pectoris, sickle cell anemia, lung conditions such as hypoxemia, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) should consult their physician before traveling to high altitudes.

How someone has handled high altitudes in the past can give a reliable indication for future trips if the altitude and rate of ascent are the same, but this is not always accurate. Even if you have not experienced symptoms at high altitudes before, this does not mean that they will not be in the future.

If you’re still unsure about your risk of getting altitude sickness on your next mountain adventure, use the guide below to help you assess your risk level.

Low risk:

• You have no history of altitude sickness.
• You are ascending less than 9,000 feet (2,750 m).
• You need 2+ days to climb to 8,200 to 9,800 to 2,500 to 3,000 feet (1,600 to 3,300 to 1,000 m), with a gradual increase in sleep altitude of less than 1,000 feet (1,000 m) per day and an additional day of acclimatization for every
• feet (XNUMX m) of climb.

Moderate risk:

• You have a history of altitude sickness and climbed 8,200-9,200-2,500-2,800 feet (1-2,800 m) or higher in XNUMX days.
• You do not have a history of altitude sickness and have not climbed more than 9,200 feet (1 m) in a day.
• You climb more than 1,600 feet (500 m) per day above 9,900 feet (3,000 m), but with an additional acclimatization day for every 3,300 feet (1,000 m) you climb.

High risk:

• You have a history of altitude sickness and climbing over 2,800 feet (1 m) in a day.
• You have a previous history of HAPE or HACE.
• You climb over 11,400 feet (1m) in 3,500 feet in a day.
• You climb more than 1,600 feet (500 m) per day above 9,800 feet (3,000 m) with no additional acclimatization days.
• Very fast climbs (eg climbing Mount Whitney or Colorado 14’er in a day).

Can altitude sickness be fatal?

Although altitude sickness is not fatal in and of itself, ignoring symptoms and continuing to climb can lead to more advanced cases of AMS, which can be fatal if left untreated. Without early intervention, altitude sickness can lead to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

What is HAPE?

HAPE, or high altitude pulmonary edema, is a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes leads to an imbalance of fluids in the body. As a result, fluid begins to seep into the air cavities of the lungs, restricting the flow of air and oxygen to the body.

If left untreated, HAPE can be life-threatening. The symptoms of HAPE vary from mild to moderate altitude sickness. As soon as you notice any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of HAPE include:

• Cyanosis (i.e. the skin, nails, or whites of the eyes turn blue)
• Confusion and irrational behavior
• Shortness of breath even at rest
• Tightness in the chest
• Extreme fatigue and weakness
• Feeling like you are suffocating at night
• Persistent cough with white watery fluid.

What is HACE?

HACE, or high-altitude cerebral edema, is a severe condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the brain, causing swelling and pressure. HACE is a rare form of altitude sickness but should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible because it can lead to coma and death within 24 hours of symptom onset. HACE symptoms include:

• Headache
• Loss of coordination
• Severe emaciation or weakness
• Confusion, memory loss, hallucinations
• Psychotic behavior
• Coma

HAPE and HACE are life threatening for tourists. These more severe forms of altitude sickness require immediate medical attention.

Note: In situations like this, a PLB (such as an InReach or SPOT device) can mean the difference between life and death. Despite altitude sickness, the PLB is an invaluable safety and navigation tool that can provide lifesaving assistance in an emergency in remote areas.

How to prevent altitude sickness

Climbing at a slow pace is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. While mild altitude sickness can be a foregone conclusion for many hikers, you can prevent it from developing into a more serious condition with proper risk assessment and clear decision making skills.

These three principles will help you prevent or at least minimize the effects of severe altitude sickness:

1. Learn how to recognize the first symptoms of altitude sickness.
2. Avoid sleeping at higher altitudes if you have altitude sickness.
3. Go down if your symptoms do not improve or get worse during rest.

In addition, there are additional preventive measures you can take to prepare your body for high altitude hiking.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common problem faced by hikers at high altitudes. Dehydration disrupts the mineral balance in the body and affects its ability to function normally. Humidity is low at high altitudes, causing water to evaporate from the body more quickly. It’s easy to think that if you’re not sweating, then you’re not dehydrated, but that’s far from the case. If you are not losing water through your pores, you are losing it through urination. Increased urine production, or high-altitude diuresis, occurs when your kidneys respond to the dry climate of the highlands by releasing hormones to regulate blood density in the absence of adequate oxygen.

Hiking at high altitude also increases the respiratory rate. Because your body is working twice as fast to get as much oxygen as possible, all that chugging and chugging makes you lose more water, which leads to further dehydration. So, how much water should you drink at altitude?

Before you reach your destination, you must start drinking water. Drink plenty of water in the days and hours before your trip to the highlands. Once you start hiking, keep a consistent regimen of hydration to minimize your chances of getting altitude sickness. Drink an additional 1-1.5 liters of water per day at high altitude, a minimum of 3-4 liters depending on your mileage, overall climb, temperature and exercise.

• Plan smart: A common misconception about hiking at high altitude is that physical condition determines the body’s ability to resist altitude sickness. Many “peak” people skip acclimatization, climb too high and too fast, and get into trouble because of it.

When planning your upcoming adventure in the highlands, write your acclimatization days into your itinerary. The body needs time to adjust to altitude. Try to acclimatize at 8,000–9.000 feet (2.500–2.750 m) for 3–5 days before heading out to give everyone in your group time to adjust before climbing. If you and your group have rested 24 hours without incident, you can climb higher. Trekking at altitude should avoid large one-day climbs (more than 2,000 vertical feet).

If your itinerary involves a lot of climbing, plan your camp sites at a lower altitude. Sleeping at high altitude reduces the level of oxygen in the blood. Adjust your trip plan so that you climb mountain passes during the day and return to lower altitudes at night to reduce the strain on your body (i.e. climb high, sleep low).

• Eat well: Your body is doing more work than usual, so make sure you stay full. Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy, especially at high altitudes. At least 60% of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Good sources of carbs to put in your backpack for a high mountain hike include energy bars, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, tortillas, bagels, and instant oatmeal.
• Skip coffee: Avoid alcohol or too much caffeine as these can dehydrate you faster at high altitudes. Drinking and caffeine worsen the effects of dehydration due to their diuretic properties that occur in high altitude areas. Instead, drink plenty of water, replace your daily cup of tea with herbal tea, and save that beer for climbing day.

Medicines and remedies for the prevention and treatment of altitude sickness

If you’ve been drinking water and walking at a snail’s pace all day but are still feeling the telltale signs of altitude sickness, there are several over-the-counter medications and supplements you can take to help relieve your symptoms.

• Bring some over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil, Tylenol, or aspirin for headache relief.
• Take promethazine or Tams to relieve nausea or indigestion.
• Add electrolytes such as Liquid IV, Gatorade, Scratch, or Nuun to your water to prevent dehydration and control sodium and potassium levels.
• If you know your body doesn’t do well at altitude, ask your doctor if you can get a prescription for Diamox, a medication that prevents severe altitude sickness. Diamox works best when taken a few days before climbing.

Conclusion

No amount of muscle strength and determination will help you overcome altitude sickness, but there are steps you can take to minimize and manage symptoms while in remote areas. Whether you’re climbing the Colorado 14er or hiking to Everest Base Camp, you’ll have everything you need to thrive in the highlands and cruise above the clouds with confidence!

Charnota Ash

Ash Charnota is a freelance writer from Southern California with over 3,000 miles of travel under her feet. She is the founder of Go Galavanting, an online community dedicated to entrepreneurial women and highlighting new thought leaders in the outdoors industry. A PCT alumnus, Joshua Tree enthusiast and aspiring mountaineer, Ash uses her outdoor experience to create content that educates and inspires the next generation of adventurers to explore their inner wilderness. Connect with her on Instagram (@salty_millennial).