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| Taking a break at Gudy's Rest
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Altitude Sickness…
Acute Mountain Sickness
We have found that when some clients come from low
altitudes and start hiking in the Rocky Mountains at
about 9,000 feet they may develop Acute Mountain Sickness
(AMS). AMS is primarily related to individual genetics
and the rate in which they ascent. AMS is not prejudice
to age, gender, physical fitness or previous altitude
experience. It is found that as individuals ascend,
their body acclimatizes to the decreasing oxygen (hypoxia).
At any moment, there is an “ideal” altitude
where your body is in balance. If you ascend above this
area, where you are not acclimatized, there is not enough
oxygen for your body to functions properly, and the
symptoms of hypoxic distress occur. In other words,
AMS. The symptoms, which can very from mild to severe,
usually start with a headache and are usually followed
by:
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea, or vomiting
-Fatigue or weakness
-Dizziness or light-headedness
-Difficulty sleeping
-shortness of breath
Many times individuals try to ignore the symptoms
and pass them off as just a sinus headache or they are
just not hungry. Denial can be common, but willing to
admit you have altitude sickness will help us to help
you enjoy your vacation. There is a useful rule of thumb:
if you feel ill at altitude, it is altitude sickness.
(Unless there is another obvious symptom like diarrhea.)
Helping to Prevent AMS
Now, we will not be hiking in Nepal, however, we do
hike at altitudes ranging from 9000 feet to 13,300 feet
and we found that proper gradual acclimatizing is the
key. Give your body time to acclimatize to the altitude
and arrive 3-4 days ahead of your departure trip date.
This will allow you a couple of nights at higher altitude,
higher than your body is used to. Take it easy and do
not overexert yourself on the first day when you arrive
in Colorado. It is also recommended that you engage
in some light activity after that first day of taking
it easy. Hydrating is the next key step. Dehydration
is a common cause of headaches at altitude. Drink plenty
of water. Four to six liters per day is recommended.
If a headache occurs, take some acetaminophen or analgesics.
We are serious about Hydrating (with water of course).
Drink, Drink! This is a great place to start.
Other things to avoid while at higher altitude would
be Alcohol, caffeine, sleeping pills and Narcotic pain
medication in more than modest doses. If you are taking
narcotic pain pills, you should revaluate signing up
for one of these hiking treks.
If you have experienced altitude sickness in the past
and want to try to avoid it again, you can discuses
with your doctor about specific altitude sickness medications
that are available. For example: Diamox®. Please
discuses this with your doctor. If you do choose this
option, please inform our staff.
The information provided above is just an overview of
Acute Mountain Sickness. We like our guests to be informed
when you come on a trip with us. If you do end up having
any of these symptoms, it is okay. We will ask you to
remain in camp with the support crew for the day or
until you feel better. This will allow you more time
to acclimatize.
More importantly, if you do have the symptoms described
above and choose ignore them and not inform one of the
crew members and hike, the symptoms will get only get
worse. Consequently, you may not be able to get to camp.
This would result in a rescue evacuation or spending
the night out without a sleeping bag. In this situation,
you will put yourself, the rest of the hikers and your
guide in a dangerous situation.
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