Mountain Sickness

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Mountain sickness is also called high altitude sickness. It happens when you travel to a high altitude (usually 8,500 feet or higher). People who live close to sea level and then travel to the mountains get mountain sickness more often. It also happens more often to younger people than to older people. But, it can happen to anyone, even if you are in good shape. Mountain sickness can make you very sick.

Causes: There is less oxygen in the air at high altitudes which can make you feel sick. Traveling to high altitudes without letting your body adjust causes mountain sickness. Your body needs to adjust slowly to the lower amount of oxygen in the air at higher altitudes. Traveling from Los Angeles to Denver and then to ski resorts in the mountains right away can cause this illness.

Signs and Symptoms: You may have a headache, feel nauseated (upset stomach), vomit (throw up), and not want to eat. You may also feel tired, dizzy, confused, have trouble walking, be unable to sleep, or have trouble breathing.

Care: You may not need any special care if your symptoms are not bad. Resting, eating healthy foods, and drinking lots of liquid should help your symptoms go away in a few days. Smoking and drinking alcohol can make your symptoms worse. You may need medicine for a headache. You may need to go to the hospital or need extra oxygen if your symptoms are really bad.

Do's and Don'ts: Travel to higher altitudes slowly. Get used to the high altitude before doing a lot of exercise (like hiking, skiing, or biking). Don't drink alcohol at high altitudes. It takes much less alcohol to become drunk at high altitudes than at sea level. Ask your caregiver about taking medicine to keep from getting high altitude sickness.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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