HEALTH EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE

Welcome to Chaffee County! At the high elevations of the Colorado Mountains, everyone is affected by altitude to some degree. As you go to higher altitudes, the barometric pressure decreases, the air is thinner and less oxygen is available. The air is also drier and the ultraviolet rays from the sun are stronger.

Elevations in the Upper Arkansas Valley vary from over 7,000 feet in Salida and Buena Vista to over 14,000 feet at many of the area's mountain peaks. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen there is in the air. Some people have a negative reaction to the decrease in oxygen. They might develop mild symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and unusual tiredness, which we call acute mountain sickness or AMS.

Symptoms of high altitude sickness usually last one to two days and may include nausea, headache, loss of appetite, insomnia, or lethargy (drowsiness}. Children may experience vomiting.

Treatment includes frequent resting, staying at lower altitude the first day of your stay, eating lightly, drinking more water, and decreasing smoking. Some over-the-counter headache medications may help symptoms. Avoid alcohol, as it may intensify symptoms. Contact a physician if breathing becomes difficult, headache continues and is accompanied by mental disturbances, coughing begins, or walking becomes staggered.

The effects of high altitude can be decreased by following these recommendations:

• Increase fluid intake -drink two to three times more fluid than usual, water and juices are best; adequate hydration is the key to preventing altitude illness. You should drink enough fluids to urinate approximately every two hours.
• Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine on your day of arrival and one to two days thereafter. Be very careful if consuming alcohol, and remember, at this altitude you may be much more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and sedatives.
• Decrease salt intake -- salt causes your body to retain fluid (edema), which increases the severity of altitude illness.
• Eat frequent small meals high in carbohydrates, low in fat, and low in protein.
• Moderate physical activity and get plenty of rest.
• Studies have shown that spending 1-2 nights at a modest altitude of 5,000-6,000 ft. (Denver or Colorado Springs) before you go higher can decrease symptoms.

Altitude Effects on Medical Conditions
Individuals with chronic lung or heart disease may be affected adversely by the altitude. The decrease in oxygen that occurs at higher altitudes alters body functions, making it difficult to breathe and forcing the heart to work harder. Individuals should avoid over exertion by moving at a slower pace. If problems continue, seek medical assistance at a local medical clinic or the hospital.

Altitude Effects on Alcohol & Medications
Alcohol and barbiturates should be used with caution, as their effect is greater at a higher altitude. Individuals taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) also may have increased effect and may require prothrombin times (bleeding times) to be checked. Strong diuretics may cause blood pressure to fall, resulting in fainting or dizziness.

Swelling
The cause of swelling is unknown, but goes away on its own several days after returning to a lower altitude. Diuretics and a low salt diet also reduce swelling.

Dehydration
The combination of dry mountain air and increased respiratory rate, due to the lower oxygen level at this altitude, may lead to greater loss of body moisture. Drink six to eight glasses of water each day. Be aware that alcohol consumption can increase the chance of dehydration.

Dehydration and low humidity may dry the membranes of the nose and cause nose bleeds. If you get a nosebleed, pinch the nostrils together for at least five minutes.

Giardia
Visitors may be tempted to drink water from the crystal clear lakes, rivers, or creeks in the mountains. Be aware that these bodies of water contain an intestinal parasite called Giardia Lamblia. This parasite causes diarrhea, nausea, cramping, fever, and chills. Symptoms may not appear until you return home and requires medical treatment. Never drink water from these sources until it has been boiled for ten minutes, run through a water purification filter or treated with tablets specifically designed for water purification.

Lightning
Our region is at high risk for afternoon storms and the presence of lightning. Preparation and basic lightning safety knowledge is important outdoor enthusiasts. If you see dark clouds approaching or hear thunder, clear the area. If you see lightning, flee the area or seek safe shelter such as: Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up, substantial buildings or the low ground. Seek cover in clumps of bushes. AVOID outdoor metal objects like flag poles, fences and gates, high mast light poles, metal bleachers, golf cars, machinery, etc. AVOID trees. AVOID water. AVOID open fields. AVOID the high ground.

If you feel your hair standing on end, and/or hear "crackling noises", you are in lightning's electric field. If caught outside during close-in lightning, immediately remove metal objects (including baseball cap), place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low in baseball catcher's stance with hands on knees.

People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Apply first aid immediately if you are qualified to do so. Get emergency help promptly.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia may result from being in cold water or in a cold environment for an extended period of time. Our rivers and creeks include snow run-off which is very cold. Cold water cools the body temperature 32 times taster than air. Be sure to take warm clothes and dress in layers when travelling in the backcountry or on day hikes. Don't be fooled by warm days with blue skies. Summer weather can change quickly from warm to cold conditions. Risk of hypothermia increases with injury, alcohol or drug consumption and for children and seniors. Victims of hypothermia may be confused; attempt to reorient the person. Rewarm a wet victim by removing wet garments and replacing with dry. Cover the victim with blankets. A rescuer might also lie alongside the victim underneath covers to increase body heat and assist in rewarming. The victim should be moved gently. If the victim is non-responsive, immediately transport to the nearest hospital. If breathing stops, perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Sunburn
At this altitude, there is less atmosphere to block the sun's rays, so sunburns occur more often. Snow and water reflect the sun and intensify the effect. The sun's harmful Ultraviolet rays are energy from the sun that we can neither see nor feel, and are dangerous on both sunny and overcast days. Protect yourself by minimizing direct exposure between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Look for sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB with a high protection number such as 15 or 30. Apply sun block every two hours. Babies and small children are especially vulnerable to damage from ultraviolet rays. Infants should not be exposed to the sun. It is safe to begin using sunscreens on children at six months of age, allowing only moderate sun exposure.

Emergency Services and Local Health Clinics

• Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, 448 East First Street, Salida (719) 530-8221
• First Street Family Health, 327 East First Street, Salida (719) 539-6637
• Intermountain Internal Medicine, 550 West Highway 50, Salida (719) 530-2000
• Salida Family Medicine Clinic, 320 East First Street, Salida (719) 539-3583
• Mountain Medical Center, 36 Oak Street, Buena Vista (719) 395-8632