Janet or Michael Francoeur on tue 18 aug 98
We moved to North Carolina from Aspen, Colorado, 9,500 feet to 9.5. Prior
to colorado we lived in Michigan,maybe 800 feet. It is supposed to take you
one day to aclimate to each 1000 feet gain in altitude, it took me about 6
months for each 1000. Lived there (and loved it, for 6 years) never did
quite get used to the lack of humidity, usually about 5%.
I don't know anything about the drug but I know, don't drink alcohol, drink
LOTS of water and don't do anything too strenuous.
Janet Francoeur
I found these things on the net and there is a lot more just search for
"altitude sickness"
THE KINDS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Acute mountain sickness: This is the common type of illness associated with
travel to altitudes above 8000 feet. The symptoms include mild shortness of
breath, headache, lack of energy, and broken sleep. The problem is worse at
higher altitudes, and when the ascent is sudden, as with plane trips from
sea level.
High altitude pulmonary edema: Much less common, this condition is a lot
more serious. Water seeps into the lungs from the capillaries nearby. The
main symptom is shortness of breath, considerably more severe than that of
fellow travellers. This is a potentially life-threatening condition. This
tends to occur at altitudes in the 12,000-14,000 foot range, but can happen
at lower heights.
High altitude cerebral edema: A distinctly uncommon condition, seen also
mainly at very high altitudes. Water seeps into the brain tissue, causing
headache and personality changes. Afflicted travellers may become combative
and disoriented. Fellow travellers may be more aware that something is
wrong than the stricken person. This is a life-threatening condition.
TRYING TO PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS
It is difficult to predict who is prone to this condition. Youthfulness and
being in good shape do not improve your odds. The single best prevention is
to make your ascent gradual. Taking several days to reach a high elevation
reduces the risk of problems.
When flying into La Paz, for example, resist the temptation to scurry
around seeing everything. Rather, rest and relax, drink plenty of (clean)
water, avoid alcohol and sedatives.
There are medications which can be taken in a preventive manner.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is the most commonly used. Discuss the use of these
with a knowledgeable physician, eg at a good travel medicine clinic.
TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Acute mountain sickness: rest, rehydration, avoidance of alcohol and
sedatives, and a mild pain-reliever for headache are often all that are
required. The condition usually improves on its own. If it does not,
medical attention should be sought.
Acute pulmonary edema: a medical emergency; removal to a lower altitude is
a priority. Oxygen, if available, should be used. Expert medical care
should be sought.
Acute cerebral edema: as for acute pulmonary edema; a medical emergency.
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From: Eydie DeVincenzi
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Colorado Altitude
Date: Monday, August 17, 1998 11:38 AM
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
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Hello Colorado Potters:
I just returned from an [short-lived] meeting in Breckenridge. I was
supposed to return home to Maryland on Monday, but I was among a handful of
people at the meeting who fell victim to Altitude Sickness. Prior to this
trip, I never heard of such a thing. But I can tell you that it was
painfully REAL. I tried extra-strength Tylenol (suggested by the drug
store) and drank water constantly and drank no alcohol. I am in good
physical shape but that has nothing to do with it I am told. I had to
leave Colorado abruptly on Saturday morning. On the shuttle to the
Airport, a lady told me that she takes Fioricet for Altitude Sickness which
she gets every year when she goes to Breckenridge. Since I will be
attending meetings in Colorado every August from now on, I am looking for a
"cure". Next year, I was also considering taking a workshop at Anderson
Ranch after my meeting. But I may have to scrap that plan, sadly.
Does anyone know about this prescription drug? Any other suggestions? I
found no reference to this Sickness in any literature about the Resort.
Yet the Shuttle driver told us about many many people whose vacations were
cut short by this Sickness. Must be a taboo subject .
Feeling better at Sea Level,
Eydie DeVincenzi
74647.404@compuserve.com
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