Restoring My Complexion

How To Treat Altitude Sickness

9 November 2021 by Dylan Owens

If you are someone who enjoys exploring new places and hiking, you may have goals to hike a certain number of peaks this year or before you turn a certain age. This can be such an exciting and fun thing to do, though you need to be careful to take the proper precautions when hiking in an area you are unfamiliar with. Many a hiking enthusiast has been caught in the clutches of altitude sickness while they explore a new mountain range. Some of the signs of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms are enough to ruin any adventure, so you need to be prepared. If you feel you may be experiencing altitude sickness, here are a few things to try that may relieve your symptoms.

Bring Oxygen

One easy way to prepare for altitude sickness is to bring your own oxygen. Small, portable canisters of oxygen may be available for purchase at your local hiking store, or you can find them in online stores. When you begin to feel sick you can simply take the oxygen canister out of your bag, take a few puffs every now and again, and your symptoms will likely subside. Altitude sickness and the symptoms associated with it happen because there are fewer oxygen molecules available to breathe in at high altitudes. This is especially unfortunate since your body is exerting so much energy when you are hiking, making your brain and body begin to freak out. Bringing oxygen with you is potentially the easiest way to get your brain the oxygen it so badly needs before you experience too many symptoms. 

Let Your Body Adjust

Instead of just forcing your way through altitude sickness and hoping it goes away, it is a really good idea to allow your body to adjust by resting or camping at a certain altitude before you move on. This may add a few more days to your camping trip, but if you are going to feel more healthy throughout the entire trip, it is definitely worth it. You may want to just plan ahead and schedule a longer camping trip in order to avoid any issues. 

In conclusion, altitude sickness can be extremely challenging to deal with, but if you are prepared it can be handled relatively easily. Plan ahead for the challenges you may experience and you are sure to enjoy a wonderful adventure in the mountains. 

Contact a company like Alpine Oxygen to learn more about altitude sickness.

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