Before you travel to a high elevation, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with your doctor. Although this is especially important for people with heart or lung disease, many other health conditions can also be aggravated by altitude, including diabetes and vision problems. If you’re currently taking prescription medicines, ask your doctor whether high altitude is likely to increase the risk of side effects.
Airplanes and cars allow travelers to reach high elevations quickly, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. Where possible, it’s preferable to ascend gradually by walking or climbing. If you must fly or drive, plan on resting at your destination for at least 48 hours. Avoid overexerting yourself during this time. You should also steer clear of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription tranquilizers and painkillers, all of which can reduce the amount of oxygen available to your body.
Your body needs one to four days to adjust to higher altitudes, so include this downtime in your itinerary. Once you reach 9,000 feet, you should plan to ascend no more than 1,600 additional feet per day. For every 3,300 feet you climb, schedule a full day of rest. If you’re traveling with other people, remember that they may need more time to adapt. Always tailor your schedule to the most altitude-sensitive person in your group.
Dehydration is a common problem at higher altitudes, so drink at least three quarts of water per day. For best results, start this regimen before you begin traveling. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine will also help to keep you properly hydrated.To confirm that you’re getting enough water, monitor your urine; it should be copious and lightly colored. Dark urine indicates inadequate hydration.
Many people who travel to high elevations experience brief, mild symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. With ample rest and hydration, these symptoms should fade within a few days. If they persist, don’t try to ignore them. Accept that you must not ascend any further until your symptoms resolve, and that you will need to descend if they worsen. If you become disoriented, extremely weak or persistently short of breath, even when resting, seek immediate assistance.
If you’ve previously suffered from altitude sickness, or you’re traveling by plane to an elevation above 10,000 feet, you may need to take acetazolamide, which is a prescription drug that increases respiration and oxygen intake. If your doctor prescribes this medication, you must start taking it at least 24 hours before your trip. This will not only give it time to work, but also confirm that you’re not allergic to it.
