Altitude Sickness

• The major cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast.
  • Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude.
  • This process is known as acclimatization.

• When you arrive at a high altitude city, you should:
  • Sleep when you arrive.
  • Stay properly hydrated.
  • Take it easy until you have acclimitized.
  • Eat a high carbohydrate diet.
    • Potato
    • Pasta

• The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.
  • Therefore you should avoid:
    • Alcohol
    • Tranquilizers
    • Sleeping pills

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© 2004 John Michael Pierobon

Notes