Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Understanding Altitude Sickness: A Guide to Staying Healthy at High Altitudes in Summit County
If you're planning a trip to the breathtaking mountains of Summit County, Colorado, you've probably heard about the famous ski resorts and hiking spots. But did you know that the stunning altitudes of Breckenridge (9,600 ft), Frisco (9,075 ft), Keystone (9,280 ft), and Copper Mountain (9,712 ft) can also bring on something less enjoyable—altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects travelers when they ascend to higher elevations. As you move higher up, the air gets thinner, and the amount of oxygen available decreases, which can leave you feeling fatigued, nauseous, or dizzy. Whether you're heading to the slopes or hiking the trails, it's crucial to understand the symptoms and how to prevent and treat altitude sickness. Let's dive in and ensure you stay at your best while enjoying your adventure!
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when your body has trouble adjusting to the lower oxygen levels found at higher elevations. Symptoms typically appear between 12 and 24 hours after arriving at altitudes over 8,000 feet and can hit anyone—regardless of their fitness level.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches: The most common and obvious sign that something isn't quite right.
- Nausea and vomiting: The body reacts to the lack of oxygen and stress.
- Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired, even after a good night's rest.
- Dizziness and shortness of breath: As your body struggles to get enough oxygen.
- Difficulty sleeping: Breathing becomes shallower, making it harder to get quality rest.
- Loss of appetite: Lack of energy can lead to a diminished desire to eat.
In more severe cases, altitude sickness can escalate to dangerous conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) or High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which are life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Why Does Altitude Sickness Happen?
When you arrive at a high altitude, your body needs time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. The air pressure is lower, which means there is less oxygen in the atmosphere. As a result, your muscles, brain, and organs don't receive the same level of oxygenated blood they’re used to, causing the symptoms we mentioned above.
You might think altitude sickness only affects the unfit or older people, but anyone can get it. In fact, children are often more vulnerable because their hearts and lungs are still developing, making it even harder to adjust to the high altitude.
In Summit County, for example:
- Breckenridge sits at 9,600 feet, and the highest peak, Peak 10, is over 13,600 feet.
- Frisco sits just over 9,000 feet, with Mount Royal reaching 12,420 feet.
- Keystone rests at 9,280 feet, and Dercum Mountain towers above at 12,350 feet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned athlete or a casual adventurer—altitude sickness can still catch you off guard.
How Oxygen Can Help: A Simple Solution for Altitude Relief
The good news is that you don’t have to leave the mountains to find relief. In the past, the only way to deal with altitude sickness was to descend to a lower elevation. But now, with oxygen therapy, you can combat altitude sickness right from the comfort of your hotel, Airbnb, or vacation home.
Here’s how oxygen therapy works to relieve altitude sickness:
1. Boost Your Oxygen Levels
Using oxygen for just 30 minutes a couple of times a day can help restore your oxygen levels, allowing your body to perform better and fight off symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
2. Speed Up Acclimatization
Altitude sickness often arises because your body hasn’t fully acclimated to the higher elevation. By using oxygen, you can speed up this process and feel better much sooner, giving you more time to enjoy your activities.
3. Sleep Better
Sleep is often disrupted by altitude sickness. Using oxygen at night can help you breathe easier while you sleep, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy
With oxygen delivered directly to you, here are the incredible benefits you can expect:
- Wake up refreshed: Get the rest you need so you can take on the next adventure with energy.
- Avoid common symptoms: Keep headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue at bay.
- Improve athletic performance: Whether skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, oxygen helps you push through longer, harder.
- Sleep better: Oxygen helps regulate your breathing, ensuring a better night's rest.
- Avoid urgent care visits: Skip the hassle and worry about seeking medical help for altitude sickness. Oxygen therapy is a simple, effective solution.
Whether you're in Breckenridge, Frisco, Keystone, or any of the Summit County ski resorts, oxygen therapy can be a game-changer, enabling you to enjoy the high altitudes without the symptoms.
Why Oxygen Rentals Are the Key to Enjoying Your Summit County Vacation
Altitude sickness is a serious issue in high-altitude areas like Summit County, but with oxygen rentals, you can stay comfortable and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. No more feeling like you're stuck in your hotel room because of headaches or fatigue—we deliver oxygen directly to your location the same day, so you can get back to exploring the mountains and making memories.
Don't Let Altitude Sickness Hold You Back
Altitude sickness can impact anyone, and no one should let it ruin their vacation. Whether you're visiting Breckenridge at 9,600 feet or Keystone at 9,280 feet, we’re here to help you stay at your best with the convenience of same-day oxygen delivery.
Call us today for more information or to book your oxygen delivery service and get back to enjoying the adventure at Summit County’s highest peaks!