Traveling to Colorado often involves a rapid gain in elevation, which can trigger Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). This condition results from the body’s difficulty adjusting to the reduced oxygen availability and lower atmospheric pressure found at higher altitudes. Many popular Colorado destinations, including Denver (5,280 feet) and ski resorts (over 12,000 feet), are high enough to cause symptoms in visitors traveling from sea level. Prevention is the most effective strategy for a successful trip.
Planning for High Altitude Exposure
Before traveling, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing respiratory or cardiac conditions. Discussing your itinerary allows them to assess your risk and review potential medical complications. This is also the time to inquire about preventive medication, such as Acetazolamide (Diamox), which is commonly prescribed for altitude prophylaxis.
Acetazolamide hastens the body’s natural acclimatization process by stimulating breathing and improving oxygenation. The typical preventive dose is 125 milligrams taken twice daily, starting 24 to 48 hours before ascending and continuing for the first two days at the highest elevation. Common side effects include increased urination and a tingling sensation in the fingers and toes; avoid the medication if you have a sulfa allergy. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency medical care or evacuation, as rapid descent is sometimes the only treatment for severe altitude illness.
Essential Acclimatization Techniques
The most effective strategy for avoiding altitude sickness is a gradual rate of ascent, allowing the body time to adjust to the thinner air. If your destination is a high-altitude town or ski resort, plan to spend a night or two at a moderate elevation, such as Denver, before proceeding higher than 8,000 feet. During the initial 48 to 72 hours, avoid strenuous activity, as overexertion increases the likelihood of developing AMS.
Adequate hydration is a cornerstone of proper acclimatization because low humidity and increased respiration cause the body to lose fluids quickly. Drink roughly twice the amount of water you normally consume, aiming for an additional 1.5 to 2 liters per day. Limit or avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine intake during the first few days. Alcohol depresses the respiratory drive and exacerbates dehydration, while excessive caffeine can interfere with sleep and hydration.
The body’s metabolism shifts at high altitude, relying more heavily on carbohydrates because they require less oxygen for energy production than fats or proteins. Focus on consuming complex, high-carbohydrate meals and snacks, such as whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also aid digestion, which is often sluggish at altitude. Ensuring sufficient rest and prioritizing good sleep hygiene is important, as the body works harder to function in the high-altitude environment.
Identifying and Managing Mild Symptoms
Symptoms of mild AMS typically appear within 6 to 24 hours of arrival and may feel similar to a bad hangover. Common indicators include headache, fatigue, mild nausea, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. If these signs manifest, stop ascending and rest at your current elevation.
Mild headaches can often be managed with a non-opioid pain reliever, such as 600 milligrams of ibuprofen every eight hours. Do not ascend any higher until all symptoms have completely resolved, which may take 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms worsen, or if you develop severe signs like confusion, an inability to walk straight, or shortness of breath while resting, immediate descent to a lower elevation is mandatory and constitutes a medical emergency.