DENVER — The effects of altitude on health can be variable and can range from mild illness to severe life-threatening conditions.
Since we all live and play at altitude here in Colorado, we have our 9Health Expert Dr. Payal Kohli answers some of the most common questions related to altitude sickness.
What are some of the less serious effects of altitude on our health?
- Increased risk for dehydration
- Faster respiratory rate
- Suppresses your appetite
- “Altitude sickness” – headache, nausea, weakness
- Sleep disturbances
What are the more serious or life-threatening effects of altitude on our health?
- HAPE – high altitude pulmonary edema (buildup of fluid in the lungs which can be life-threatening and very dangerous).Children are more susceptible. Men are more susceptible than women.
- HACE – high altitude cerebral edema, which is swelling of the brain that can be life-threatening.
- HARH – high altitude retinal hemorrhages, which can cause permanent effects on vision.
Are there individuals who should be careful going to high altitude?
Those with coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), COPD, pulmonary hypertension, Type I diabetes or sickle cell disease should discuss the health risks of high altitude with their physicians especially those not acclimated to living in Colorado.
Acute Altitude Sickness
This condition is most likely to happen with a relatively rapid ascent to altitude and usually only happens at altitudes above 7,000 feet and for those that are not acclimated to high altitude. So, think of your friends who live at sea level in New York and come to Vail or Breckenridge to join you for a ski trip.
The severity of symptoms can vary between individuals (and even amongst the same individual) in different settings.
The condition is defined as the presence of headache and at least one of the following symptoms: stomach upset (nausea, vomiting or lack of appetite), weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness and trouble sleeping.
The reason for these symptoms is thought to be cerebral edema (or brain swelling) from the lack of oxygen in the air.
High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema
High-altitude pulmonary edema is characterized by buildup of fluid in the lungs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The incidence of HAPE increased with increasing altitude. Symptoms can occur 1-3 days after arriving at altitude and include, cough sometimes blood-tinged, shortness of breath, chest tightness, severe fatigue.
Other signs of HAPE include fluid in the lungs on chest X-ray, fever, fast heart rate, fast breathing. HAPE can occur more commonly in children and in males for unclear reasons. It is treated by descending from altitude, using supplemental O2, other medications that can decrease the pressure in the lungs to prevent further fluid leakage.
High-Altitude Cerebral Edema
This is a condition characterized by swelling of the brain and without urgent treatment, can lead to neurological damage and death. The symptoms of confusion, trouble walking (ataxia) or coma and can develop rapidly in under 12 hours, and often occur at night after someone has been at altitude for several days. Treatment requires descent to lower altitude and diuretic medications (water pills) and possibly steroids to decrease the swelling in the brain.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Colorado Guide