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Akron Fulton International Airport: Elevation: 1067 ft
Colorado Springs Airport: Elevation: 6,187 ft
Who cares? For the moment, I do. As I sit here writing, I am 5,120 feet higher than my usual abode.
Currently it’s not bothering me. However, yesterday I spent the day in the Colorado mountains, visiting the haunts of the original Dr. Quinn at Cripple Creek, elevation 9,494 ft. I hadn’t been paying much attention to the additional altitude, but now that I know how high I was, no wonder I couldn’t breathe well. Sitting still was all well and good, but when I started a mile-long hike through nearby fossil beds, I gave up and turned around. The effort just wasn’t worth it.
Am I a cripple or what? Is that how the creek got its name? (No.) And, by the way, if you get a chance to visit Cripple Creek, take the train ride for a great view of the abandoned gold mines and the new gold strip mine. I didn’t know anyone strip-mined for gold. Before yesterday, I’d only seen the Kentucky coal strip mines.
But back to the point: high altitude sickness. The high altitude effected me to a degree – mild sinus congestion, a little short of breath, mild fatigue. Other symptoms that I did not have include headache, lightheadedness, weakness, and upset stomach. A more severe case of moutain sickness might also include a cough, confusion, disorientation or dysequilibrium, and trouble breathing at rest, eventually leading to swelling in the brain or lungs. These symptoms may signal a medical emergency.
So I’ve had a very mild case of high altitude sickness, cured by going to a lower altitude and getting more rest.
As for saving money on mountain sickness, prevention is key. Even healthy people should beware of going above 8,000 feet in a single day. Above that altitude, it takes at least one day for your body to adjust for each 1,000 feet additional, so plan your ascent accordingly. People with heart problems or lung problems may not tolerate higher altitudes at all, and at the very least will require longer period adjustment period.
If for some reason you do not or cannot follow the above advice, are there effective treatments?
Descending to a lower level is the best treatment at any time. Sleeping at a lower altitude than your daytime activities is also advisable (1500-2000 feet lower). A medication called Diamox shows some benefit for mountain sickness. You might want to ask your doctor for a prescription before traveling, just in case. Brand-name time-release Diamox costs over $300 for 60 tablets, whereas a 2-week supply of the shorter-acting generic should run only 1/10 as much. Rather than spend extra money on medicine, why not tack on another day or two at a hotel to allow your body to equibrilate to the higher altitude?
Dexamethasone may also help, and runs under $10 for generic, however you will need to discuss its use with your doctor.
Severe mountain sickness may be lethal. Even if you’re a healthy 20-year-old, this does not mean you are immune. It’s far better to be safe than sorry, so if you experience any of the above symptoms, descend 1500-2000 feet as soon as possible. A trip to the ER or ICU will cost more than your entire vacation.
© Cynthia J Koelker, MD – All rights reserved
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