High Altitude Health

Introduction: Recreational opportunities such as skiing, backpacking, hunting, and fishing place physical demands on your body. These demands increase dramatically at high altitude. This information is presented so you can have a healthy and enjoyable stay at high altitude.

What is High Altitude? Broadly interpreted, high altitude is anyplace above 5280 feet (1609m). About three-fourths of the nation's land above 10,000 feet is in Colorado. Estimates place more than half of Colorado at above 5280 feet. It is reasonable to say, much of the time you spend in Colorado will be in such high altitude areas.

Effects of High Altitude: At high altitudes, everyone is affected to some degree. The effects vary among individuals and a variety of symptoms are seen. Two main differences between the high altitude environment and sea level are: decreased oxygen density and decreased humidity, or moisture content in the air. At an elevation of 8000-10,000 feet the oxygen is approximately 40-45 percent less dense, (read: less available), creating that feeling of "thin air", and the humidity is 50-80 percent lower than at sea level. A sudden change in environment from sea level to high altitude can produce nausea, insomnia, diarrhea, restlessness, shortness of breath, and air hunger. Palpitations or fast heart beat, headache, nasal congestion, coughing, increased flatulence or "gas", easy fatigue, and intolerance to exertion may also be experienced. If the high altitude experience continues, more shortness of breath and increased coughing and edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs) may occur requiring prompt medical attention and possible hospitalization.

Adapting to High Altitude: The initial complaints should disappear as your body adjusts to the lowered oxygen content and dryness. This may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Also, those over 60 years of age have a possibility of low oxygen (hypoxemia) during your stay over 6500'. This may result in adverse consequence should you have pre-existing heart, lung, or circulatory disease.

What to do:
*Eat lightly.
*Drink plenty of fluids (water).
*Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours (then moderate).
*Get plenty of rest.
*Avoid overexertion before your body can adapt to the lower oxygen and dryness. Minimize physical exertion the first day or two.
*If you are over thirty-five and plan strenuous exercise while at high altitude, it would be best to first check with your doctor.
*If you have a history of heart, circulatory or lung disease, it is essential to check with your doctor before coming to high altitude.
*Respiratory infections should be resolved before coming to high altitude since the illness can be worsened.
*Pregnant women should check with their physician before exerting at high altitude.

Some Final Suggestions: If you experience any symptoms that were mentioned, you may be suffering from oxygen deficit (hypoxia). The symptoms are a caution to decrease your activity and protect yourself. A day of rest is strongly suggested. If your symptoms are not improved or they develop such that they worry you, do not hesitate to contact the emergency department. You are in a high altitude environment in Durango. It is very tempting to do as much as possible as vacationers. But vigorous exercise the first day followed by a big meal combined with alcohol and then followed by more exertion can lead to high altitude symptoms and spoil your time in the San Juan Mountains.