How do you prevent altitude sickness?

[dhaulagiri]

Registered because almost all the info in this thread is junk, and could cause health problems

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is the only medicine you will find that has an effect on preventing AMS
All the supplements listed in this thread have no scientific studies backing them, and are literally snake oil
For the real answer, spend multiple days at moderate altitude before going to higher altitude. Someone from sea level should be fine to stay at ~7k ft the first day. Ascend no more than 3000ft additional per day. Being in shape is far more effective than any supplement.

My info: 6 high altitude climbing expeditions (6000-8000 meter peaks)

 

[Laelkhunter]

I understand Diamox is the most reliable product (by Prescription only, call your Dr), but one of the main negatives I see with it is, it is a diuretic in some patients, which leads to more frequent urination. Therein lies the problem in some cases of altitude sickness which is dehydration. You can't replenish your fluids (rehydrate) at a rate quick enough to replenish your lost fluids (through urination). It takes hours to rehydrate properly, and if you take Diamox and keep frequently urinating, it MIGHT complicate the matter.

 

[Summitmike]

I'm no doctor just stating what works for me. I have lived at 9300 ft since 1999 actually lived at 10200 from 99 till 2003. Never had altitude sickness. Untill about 5 years ago when I spend time at see level and return home. My acupuncturist is the one who recommended the acclimate and cell food. It is what works for me. I start the cell food a day or two before returning home and a day when I get home no sickness.

 

[dhaulagiri]

I understand Diamox is the most reliable product (by Prescription only, call your Dr), but one of the main negatives I see with it is, it is a diuretic in some patients, which leads to more frequent urination. Therein lies the problem in some cases of altitude sickness which is dehydration. You can't replenish your fluids (rehydrate) at a rate quick enough to replenish your lost fluids (through urination). It takes hours to rehydrate properly, and if you take Diamox and keep frequently urinating, it MIGHT complicate the matter.

In my experience is isn't that bad, probably the same effect as drinking a cup of coffee.

 

[zion zig zag]

Registered because almost all the info in this thread is junk, and could cause health problems

Welcome, and thanks for coming in to save us. What new info did you provide that you felt was needed?

 

[dhaulagiri]

Welcome, and thanks for coming in to save us. What new info did you provide that you felt was needed?

Taking supplements that have no scientific studies backing them could cause health issues

 

[Laelkhunter]

In my experience is isn't that bad, probably the same effect as drinking a cup of coffee.

I should have stated that I have never taken Diamox, and only recall reading about some of the side effects, but it did not occur in all people who took the Diamox. I lived in New Orleans at or below sea level (thanks to our levee system), and have traveled to Northern New Mexico for over 30 years. Highest elevation on the Ranch I hunt is around 10K, and I have never suffered from Altitude sickness. I take Wilderness Athlete Altitude Advantage, starting 5 days before I leave, and drink plenty of fluids, some of which contains WA Hydrate & Recover. I arrive a week before my hunt starts, and stay in Chama which is at 7800 feet. My wife takes the Altitude Adjustment pills (Altitude-adjustment.com), and drinks WA Hydrate & Recover.
We experience the lack of oxygen, and find it more difficult to catch our breath after walking (especially uphill) for the first couple of days, but fortunately never any altitude sickness.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Registered because almost all the info in this thread is junk, and could cause health problems

My info: 6 high altitude climbing expeditions (6000-8000 meter peaks)

8000 meters is around 24000 feet. I salute you for that accomplishment. Most of us will probably never scale half that height. At what altitude did you start using supplemental oxygen? Did it depend on the weather conditions, or was it strictly altitude that dictated when you started using the oxygen?

 

[Mike Islander]

I understand Diamox is the most reliable product (by Prescription only, call your Dr), but one of the main negatives I see with it is, it is a diuretic in some patients, which leads to more frequent urination. Therein lies the problem in some cases of altitude sickness which is dehydration. You can't replenish your fluids (rehydrate) at a rate quick enough to replenish your lost fluids (through urination). It takes hours to rehydrate properly, and if you take Diamox and keep frequently urinating, it MIGHT complicate the matter.

Dehydration at altitude is terrible and can be debilitating. Altitude sickness is debilitating and can be deadly. I used to periodically work at high altitude while living at sea level. I took the meds and followed the directives to stay hydrated. That worked very well for me. If I couldn't stay hydrated enough to take the meds, the only alternative would have been acclimitization at altitude, which is the only non-medicinal technique known to be effective.

 

[Puttncut]

Years ago I read that chewing on Rolaids might help...something to do with the trace aluminum ???

 

[Laelkhunter]

Years ago I read that chewing on Rolaids might help...something to do with the trace aluminum ???

I read the same thing in a Colorado Outdoor magazine. But, I have been told (and read) it is actually Tums, but I definitely remember it being Rolaids. I'm glad you brought it up again, because I am positive I read Rolaids in the article.

 

[WCB]

Used to guide out west and still go out multiple times a year. I am also from MN and luckily for me I have yet to feel the affects of altitude to any inconvenience to my trips. When I have started to feel a little "sick" its because I didn't do the following: I think the absolute top 2 things people get in trouble or have issues with is staying hydrated and of course lack of oxygen. You need to drink the crap out of water until it seems like it is coming out as fast as it is going in. Be well hydrated before you go and be in the best shape you can. Also, You need to slow down and concentrate on breathing solid full breaths and as funny as it sounds walking correctly.

Breath deep and full and when possible get your feet flat on the ground (the ground may not be flat but your feet should be when possible). I honestly think guys just wear themselves out by climbing on their toes when not needed and breathing shallow quick breaths. Take a break when you need to and make yourself eat.

Getting there a day or so early to "acclimate" is complete B.S. Get there a day or so early so you can rest and not go from sitting in a truckk for 14hrs to climbing a mountain. Do not if possible drive all night and start climbing in the morning if you haven't done it before and don;t know how your body will react.

 

[WCB]

I read the same thing in a Colorado Outdoor magazine. But, I have been told (and read) it is actually Tums, but I definitely remember it being Rolaids. I'm glad you brought it up again, because I am positive I read Rolaids in the article.

I have done the Tums thing and so did some of the other guides when I worked outwest. But, I haven't since when out west and didn't a couple years when I was out there and not sure if it worked or not haha

 

[Mike Islander]

I read the same thing in a Colorado Outdoor magazine. But, I have been told (and read) it is actually Tums, but I definitely remember it being Rolaids. I'm glad you brought it up again, because I am positive I read Rolaids in the article.

I saw Rolaids in several magazines, including "Outdoor".

While reading about this (due to this thread), I rediscovered the studies on ibuprofen to reduce the chance and severity of high altitude headache, which is often a symptom of altitude sickness. In double blind trials it reduced the cases of HAH (high altitude headache) was reduced by about 15% by using ibuprofen. One issue is that you don't know whether or not the HAH is a symptom of altitude sickness or not, but HAH that does not go away is ONE of the symptoms required to diagnose acute altitude sickness. But from what I read, if HAH becomes severe, moving to a lower altitude solves the problem, whether it is just HAH or HAH associated with AMS (acute mountain sickness).

ARTICLE FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HELP WEBSITE

Efficacy of ibuprofen on prevention of high altitude headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract
Objective
Ibuprofen is used to prevent high altitude headache (HAH) but its efficacy remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) of ibuprofen for the prevention of HAH.
Methods
Studies reporting efficacy of ibuprofen for prevention of HAH were identified by searching electronic databases (until December 2016). The primary outcome was the difference in incidence of HAH between ibuprofen and placebo groups. Risk ratios (RR) were aggregated using a Mantel-Haenszel random effect model. Heterogeneity of included trials was assessed using the I2 statistics.
Results
In three randomized-controlled clinical trials involving 407 subjects, HAH occurred in 101 of 239 subjects (42%) who received ibuprofen and 96 of 168 (57%) who received placebo (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.96, Z = 2.43, P = 0.02, I2 = 0%). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 15%. Number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent HAH was 7. Similarly, The incidence of severe HAH was significant in the two groups (RR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.93, Z = 2.14, P = 0.03, I2 = 0%). Severe HAH occurred in 3% treated with ibuprofen and 10% with placebo. The ARR was 8%. NNT to prevent severe HAH was 13. Headache severity using a visual analogue scale was not different between ibuprofen and placebo. Similarly, the difference between the two groups in the change in SpO2 from baseline to altitude was not different. One included RCT reported one participant with black stools and three participants with stomach pain in the ibuprofen group, while seven participants reported stomach pain in the placebo group.

Conclusions
Based on a limited number of studies ibuprofen seems efficacious for the prevention of HAH and may therefore represent an alternative for preventing HAH with acetazolamide or dexamethasone.

 

[Mike Islander]

Used to guide out west and still go out multiple times a year. I am also from MN and luckily for me I have yet to feel the affects of altitude to any inconvenience to my trips. When I have started to feel a little "sick" its because I didn't do the following: I think the absolute top 2 things people get in trouble or have issues with is staying hydrated and of course lack of oxygen. You need to drink the crap out of water until it seems like it is coming out as fast as it is going in. Be well hydrated before you go and be in the best shape you can. Also, You need to slow down and concentrate on breathing solid full breaths and as funny as it sounds walking correctly.

Breath deep and full and when possible get your feet flat on the ground (the ground may not be flat but your feet should be when possible). I honestly think guys just wear themselves out by climbing on their toes when not needed and breathing shallow quick breaths. Take a break when you need to and make yourself eat.

Getting there a day or so early to "acclimate" is complete B.S. Get there a day or so early so you can rest and not go from sitting in a truckk for 14hrs to climbing a mountain. Do not if possible drive all night and start climbing in the morning if you haven't done it before and don;t know how your body will react.

Too rapid an ascent or inability to acclimatize leads to high-altitude illnesses. These include acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)*
*High-altitude medicine
Swapnil J. Paralikar and Jagdish H. Paralikar


Sorry, your experience isn't a good guide, because as you say you have yet to feel the affects of altitude sickness. Acclimation at lower altitude than where you will eventually end up has been PROVEN to reduce the chances of developing altitude sickness. It isn't a wives tale. It's been tested and demonstrated hundreds of thousands of times in climbs for centuries, as well as studied using controlled conditions.

If you could remember to breath more often, I agree that your technique would definitely work. That is what AMS meds do; cause you to take breaths more often. The problem is when you sleep you can't tell your body to breath more often. That's why sleeping at lower altitude is required if you are not taking medication and in the population that is affected by altitude sickness.

 

[Mike Islander]

If anyone is interested in reading an actual detailed study on high altitude diseases, including cause, symptoms, prevention, and treatment, this is an excellent article

FROM NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH WEBSITE NIH.GOV

High-altitude medicine

.

High-altitude medicine
Swapnil J. Paralikar and Jagdish H. Paralikar1
Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Go to:
Abstract
Sojourns to high altitude have become common for recreation and adventure purposes. In most individuals, gradual ascent to a high altitude leads to a series of adaptive changes in the body, termed as acclimatization. These include changes in the respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic systems and cellular adaptations that enhance oxygen delivery to the tissues and augment oxygen uptake. Thus there is an increase in pulmonary ventilation, increase in diffusing capacity in the lung, an increase in the cardiac output and increase in the red blood cell count due to an increase in erythropoietin secretion by the kidney, all of which enhance oxygen delivery to the cells. Cellular changes like increase in the number of mitochondria and augmentation of cytochrome oxidase systems take months or years to develop. Too rapid an ascent or inability to acclimatize leads to high-altitude illnesses. These include acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Acute mountain sickness is self limiting if recognized early. Both HACE and HAPE are life threatening and need to be treated aggressively. The key to treatment of these illnesses is early recognition; administration of supplemental oxygen; and descent if required. Drugs like acetazolamide, dexamethasone, nifedipine may be administered as recommended.
Keywords: Acclimatization, acute mountain sickness, high altitude, high-altitude cerebral edema, high-altitude illnesses, high-altitude pulmonary edema

 

[WCB]

Sorry, your experience isn't a good guide, because as you say you have yet to feel the affects of altitude sickness. Acclimation at lower altitude than where you will eventually end up has been PROVEN to reduce the chances of developing altitude sickness. It isn't a wives tale. It's been tested and demonstrated hundreds of thousands of times in climbs for centuries, as well as studied using controlled conditions.

If you could remember to breath more often, I agree that your technique would definitely work. That is what AMS meds do; cause you to take breaths more often. The problem is when you sleep you can't tell your body to breath more often. That's why sleeping at lower altitude is required if you are not taking medication and in the population that is affected by altitude sickness.

I probably worded it wrong calling it BS. The practice is proven I agree , but I see guys all the time say show up a day or two before and get acclimated. I agree the eventually you will acclimate. But going from where the OP is in MN average altitude of around 1200ft to say 9000ft ...a day is not going to get you acclimated.

My recommendation isn't based because I don't seem to feel the effects. It's based on seeing guys week after week come in 1 or 2 days early and when they followed recommendations of drinking a ton, we slowed them down on breathing and walking they performed better. When they guys drank normal amounts of water or didn't listen to us about breathing etc. they did noticeably worse. And probably their #1 comment was something along the lines of "....man I thought coming out a couple days early would help."

So let me rephrase my response. DO NOT RELY on coming out a day or two early to help. There are further steps.

 

[Laelkhunter]

Good info, thanks Mike

 

[TFAvalanche]

Viagra

Altitude Illness | Travel & Health Guide, 2019 Online Book

Altitude Sickness includes the mental and lung disorders of climbers over 8000 feet. Descent is the most reliable treatment for any type of altitude illness

www.travmed.com

.

Dex

Dexamethasone as prophylaxis for acute mountain sickness. Effect of dose level - PubMed

Rapid exposure of unacclimatized persons to high altitude causes the syndrome acute mountain sickness (AMS). Prophylactic treatment with frequent high doses of dexamethasone has been shown to prevent AMS. To determine whether lower, less frequent doses were effective in preventing AMS, 28 men...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[GSPMich]

Registered because almost all the info in this thread is junk, and could cause health problems

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is the only medicine you will find that has an effect on preventing AMS
All the supplements listed in this thread have no scientific studies backing them, and are literally snake oil
For the real answer, spend multiple days at moderate altitude before going to higher altitude. Someone from sea level should be fine to stay at ~7k ft the first day. Ascend no more than 3000ft additional per day. Being in shape is far more effective than any supplement.

My info: 6 high altitude climbing expeditions (6000-8000 meter peaks)

What 8000ers have you climbed? Did you summit?