The lure and beauty of the mountains attract visitors from around the world to the American Rocky Mountains. If you go to the mountains from a lower altitude you may not be familiar with some of the effects of the altitude. We hope this article will assist you in adjusting to the mountains and to enjoy your future visit.
Altitude Sickness
Perhaps as many as half the visitors from lower elevations experience some form of altitude illness. The vast majority of cases are self limited and spontaneously resolve as the body acclimatizes.
(Photo: Adams Falls - Rocky Mountain National Park)
Symptoms include fatigue, decreased appetite, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, nausea, headache and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are often worse the second day at altitude but resolve in four to five days.
Rest is the key to treating mild forms of altitude sickness. Avoid over exertion, eat lightly and drink extra fluids during your first two days at altitude. Avoid alcohol.
If your symptoms become worse rather than better, you should contact one of our three offices. Acute altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) sufferers can take medication in advance and will usually remain symptom free.
Dehydration
Once you get to the mountains you will immediately notice the dryness of the high mountain air. Your normal body fluid loss may easily be twice as great up here. The decreased amount of oxygen will cause you to breathe more rapidly and lose further body water. Further, you may be more physically active in the mountains than at home. All of the above will cause you to become dehydrated. An adult should strive to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Alcohol causes further dehydration and is not a substitute for water. (One alcoholic drink at high altitude affects you like two at sea level).
You may notice extra skin dryness and slight nosebleeds. Hydration is paramount but extra moisturizer and putting a little Vaseline in your nose may help with these symptoms. A humidifier may also help you feel more comfortable. (These are available from the front desk, property manager or for rent through pharmacies and humidifier businesses).
Sunburn
Because of thinner atmosphere and reflection from snow or water, you sunburn much more easily than you’d expect. Ultraviolet light is more intense at higher altitude. Be sure to protect your face and lips, as well as your body, with appropriate sunscreen (use at least an SPF of 15) and protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles. Increased ultraviolet exposure can also trigger a severe outbreak of cold sores. Medication can be prescribed if you seek early attention.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite results from cooling of body tissues and subsequent destruction of these tissues. This occurs when skin is exposed to cold and windy conditions. Fingers, ears, and noses are especially susceptible. The best cure is prevention. Keep the skin covered and warm up frequently. If blisters occur or if fingers or toes are involved, seek medical attention immediately.
Over-exposure to cold, wetness or wind can cause a very low internal body temperature known as hypothermia. Warning signs include shivering, fatigue, and irritability followed by drowsiness, slowed pulse, and bluish lip color. Hypothermia is life threatening. Victims of hypothermia should get to warmth and shelter, remove wet clothes, warm up in blankets, and drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages. Emergency medical attention should be sought immediately.
Ski Injuries
We hope you don’t have any, however, over the years we have found there are at least two injuries that skiers try to ignore. These injuries could cause serious problems if left unattended. We feel that any knee injury (particularly on the inside) should be checked before you continue skiing. Perhaps the most commonly ignored injury occurs at the base of the thumb. This injury can usually be immobilized so you can continue skiing. If it is ignored, it may lead to a chronic problem. A good way to prevent this injury is to ski without straps securing your pole to your wrist.
Outdoor Sport Injuries
Whatever sports you participate in, please be sure to take necessary precautions such as wearing a helmet when road or mountain biking, and wearing protective equipment when rollerblading. Carry extra water with you on bike trips, or when hiking or camping. Drinking from mountain streams is not recommended as Giardia, a microorganism which lives in the streams, can cause debilitating diarrhea. Water taken from streams should be boiled for a minimum of 30 minutes before using in any capacity.
We hope your stay in the high country is pleasant and memorable and that you will not have any illnesses or injuries. If you do need medical care, most resort towns have medical clinics which are easily accessible and happy to assist you.
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