Visitors to Flagstaff may experience altitude sickness, as the city sits at an approximate elevation of 7,000 feet. Altitude sickness refers to the body’s reaction to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations. While possible, severe cases are uncommon for most visitors.
Flagstaff’s Elevation and Risk
Flagstaff’s elevation can lead to altitude sickness because air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, meaning less oxygen is available with each breath. Most people feel effects above 6,000 to 8,000 feet, placing Flagstaff directly within this range. At 7,000 feet, Flagstaff’s oxygen level is estimated to be about 25% lower than at sea level, causing the body to work harder. The risk of altitude sickness varies among individuals, influenced by factors like usual living elevation and speed of ascent. Traveling directly from sea level without acclimatization, or engaging in physical exertion upon arrival, can increase symptom likelihood.
Recognizing Symptoms
Common and mild symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS) include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms can often be mistaken for a hangover or the flu, typically emerging within 6 to 24 hours of arriving at higher altitudes.
In rare instances, more severe forms of altitude sickness can occur, such as High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). HACE involves severe symptoms like confusion, loss of coordination, and slurred speech, indicating fluid accumulation in the brain. HAPE is characterized by severe shortness of breath at rest and may involve coughing up frothy sputum, signaling fluid in the lungs. These severe conditions are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention and descent to a lower elevation.
Minimizing Risk
Allowing your body time to adjust to the higher elevation helps minimize altitude sickness risk. Upon arriving in Flagstaff, take it easy for the first day or two, avoiding strenuous activities. This acclimatization period allows your body to adapt to reduced oxygen levels. Resting and sufficient sleep are also important, as travel can disrupt normal sleep patterns.
Staying well-hydrated is another effective way to prevent altitude sickness, as dehydration can worsen symptoms. Drink plenty of water. Limit alcohol and caffeine intake, particularly during the first day, as these contribute to dehydration. Eating light, high-carbohydrate meals provides energy while adjusting.
For individuals at high risk or with a history of altitude sickness, a healthcare professional might prescribe medication, such as acetazolamide, to aid acclimatization. Consult a doctor before taking any preventive medication.
Responding to Symptoms
If altitude sickness symptoms appear, stop all activity and rest. Staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help manage headaches. Mild symptoms often improve within one to three days with rest.
Do not ascend to a higher elevation if symptoms are present or worsening. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, descend to a lower altitude; even a few hundred feet can make a difference.
For severe symptoms, such as confusion, difficulty walking, or severe shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention. These signs indicate a serious condition requiring urgent professional care and quick descent with assistance.