Travel health: How to combat altitude sickness

Acclimatize

Don't go too high too fast. Acclimatization is the most important way to avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, so plan for a night or two at 8,000 feet, then ascend no more than 1,600 feet per day.

Climb high, sleep low

The old climber's adage holds true: climb high, sleep low. It's important to head to higher altitudes during the day as you are trying to acclimatize, but to sleep lower in order to get oxygen. Never sleep at an altitude if you are feeling symptoms of altitude sickness; head down the mountain to sleep in thicker air.

Hydrate more

You'll know if you're drinking enough water if you're urinating regularly. If you haven't urinated in three to four hours, drink more. Higher altitudes require extra fluid consumption.

Cover up

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, lip protection, and sunblock. Be sure to wear sunglasses as well to avoid snow blindness, a condition that can occur at higher elevations.

If you get sick

If, despite your best efforts, you do begin to feel some of the mild signs of altitude sickness like headache and difficulty breathing, there are a few strategies you can try. Often you can alleviate the symptoms with a few simple tricks:

1. Hydrate as much as possible with water and Gatorade
2. Take a one-time dose of ibuprofen per package instructions, if considered safe per your medical history.
3. Walk slower, especially while climbing. Try this pattern: Step, step…breathe….step, step…breathe. Sometimes all you need to do is slow down.

If the headache and difficulty breathing continue despite all of the above, or if you have severe symptoms, the most important thing you can do is descend. Never ever try to "sleep it off" - that could be a deadly decision. Remember, the mountain will always be there.

Originally published November 20, 2018.

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