The Reality of Altitude Sickness

Most people don't often think about altitude sickness. We head to the mountains on vacation, spend the day hiking and wandering around, and we feel just fine.

Then one day, we take a drive up Pike's Peak (14,000+) and suddenly your head is spinning, you're having trouble taking a full breath, and you start to believe that maybe there is something to the warnings.

According to medical professionals, altitude sickness (or acute mountain sickness (AMS)) is very common. Almost 200,000 cases are reported each year. Even if you're physically fit, you can still feel the effects of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting. Extreme cases can be deadly.

Having experienced this myself, I'll tell you; it's not fun.

If you climb (or drive) to extreme altitudes before allowing your body to acclimate, you may experience one or more of the symptoms. If you have pre-existing conditions, they may compound the effects and, in rare cases, altitude sickness can be fatal.

Remember to keep hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which contribute to dehydration. If you start feeling symptoms, returning to lower altitudes as quickly as safely possible can eliminate the effects. If you are staying in the area for several days, the symptoms will ease up as your body adjusts.

Altitude sickness is real and the effects can be scary. Just take it slowly, drink plenty of fluids, and allow your body to acclimate.